By JESSE GRAHAM
THE Yarra Glen community banded together last Thursday as the Yarra Glen Skate Park received a makeover, with the help of some local students.
The skate park was repainted as part of an initiative by the Yarra Ranges Council, in conjunction with local community groups, including primary school students and Heartland Church.
As part of the repainting, local children were asked to submit their ideas for designs and artworks to be painted on the skate park.
After about six weeks of work and six months altogether of planning, the skate park’s mural was officially unveiled on Thursday 11 July in a community event from 1-4pm.
Mike Baimbridge from Heartland Church said the day was a success.
“It was a great community celebration and we had around 80 people there over the day,” he said.
Mr Baimbridge said the newly-painted skate park would give local youths more ownership over the area, as many of them had submitted designs that were now featured on the park.
“What’s happened with this in particular, because it’s their artwork and they were consulted on it, it gives them a level of ownership with that inclusiveness,” he said.
Yarra Ranges Youth Services were on-site during the event, with representatives from Simply Skateboarding running skating competitions for skateboarders, bike and scooter riders.
A barbecue was held by youth services, who also provided music on the day, with the weather clearing up in time for the event.
Yarra Glen Police Sergeant Richard Coulson, Councillor Fiona McAllister and former Councillor Jeanette McCrae were also present to celebrate the opening.
Mr Baimbridge said McKenzie Reserve, which has an updated playground and, now, skate park is a popular destination for families passing through the area.
“It’s quite the area for leisure and activity,” he said.
He added that the community groups around the area would like a shelter to become a reality for the skate park, for children to sit in when not skating.
