Skate bowl gets some serious air

15 November 2021

One of Ipswich’s oldest skate parks is in the process of becoming the newest with work about to commence on the Sutton Park Skate Park upgrade.

After community consultation with skate bowl users, a final design has been completed and is available on Shape Your Ipswich.

Division 4 Councillor Russell Milligan said the skate park was identified for upgrading under Council’s Skate and BMX Strategy.

“Council secured funding under the Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package grant program to be able to construct a new skate bowl along with associated facilities including a new amenities block, seating, shelters, pathways and safe city cameras,” Cr Milligan said.

“Council have committed $453,000 towards the $1.6 million project, fully upgrading this skate park to ensure Ipswich is a city that encourages residents to be active and healthy and provides facilities that meet the needs of the community.”

There are 20 new features and elements to be incorporated in the skate facility including a quarter pipe, flat rail, ramps and ledges.

Division 4 Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said after community consultation the final design incorporated feedback from skatepark users.

“The final design for the hybrid facility was worked up by a specialist skate consultant and includes 750m2 of skatable area, with features combining street, bowl/pool and transition elements,” Cr Kunzelmann said.

“Demolition of the existing skate facility will commence late November with construction of the new facility, amenities block and other works to commence in the new year.

“We would like to thank the State Government for their $1.23 million commitment to the youth of Ipswich.”

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said he petitioned the Ipswich City Council requesting that it apply for State Government funding for a new skatepark, after a public meeting in May 2020.

“After it did so, I was pleased to advocate in support of the council’s application.

“Ultimately the Ipswich City Council was successful with its application and received $1.23 million from the State Government under the Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package grant program to undertake the works,” Mr Madden said.

“Once completed, I am sure that Brassall families will make full use of the new skatepark.

“We know that exercise is critical for people to maintain good health so providing funding to councils for sporting facilities is a priority for the State Government.”

Construction will start on 22 November 2021 and is scheduled to be completed in April 2022 (weather permitting). Site hours will be 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 5pm on Saturdays.

This project was developed with the support of the Queensland Government in association with Ipswich City Council.