Langwarrin Skate Park upgrade takes a huge step forward

Published on 17 June 2021

Cr Conroy and Caiden at Langwarrin Skate Park.jpg

Frankston City Council has successfully applied for a $20,000 Federal Government grant to upgrade the Langwarrin Skate Park.

Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy said the successful funding application is great news for young skaters including Caiden, who have lobbied for an upgrade of the park.

Cr Conroy met with Caiden at Langwarrin Skate Park earlier this year to discuss the project. Council will contribute $60,000 for design and community consultation works to upgrade the park, as well as for ancillary infrastructure such as shelter, seating and bins.

The push for improvements was driven by 13-year-old Caiden, who visits the park with his brothers and gathered 355 signatures on an online petition to upgrade the facility.

The Federal Member for Dunkley, Peta Murphy MP, announced that $20,000 in funding will also be provided for the project from the Dunkley Stronger Communities Program.

Ms Murphy said: “The facilities at the Langwarrin Skate Park are outdated. The Langwarrin community deserves a skate park that’s safe and that caters for different levels of experience.

“Caiden is a terrific young man. I’d like to thank him and his friends along with GameFace for supporting this project.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Council, who also provided funding, on immediate improvements and consultation and design on bigger works,” Ms Murphy said.

Caiden said an upgrade will make the space more inclusive and help support teen mental health.

"Expanding the skate park would be good for everyone. Not only does it support positive mental health, it also gives kids something safe to do” Caiden said.

Cr Conroy said the consultation process will involve speaking directly with skaters including Caiden, adding Council will have the initial works completed by December this year and the planning works to be completed in 2022 following consultation.

“We will also be speaking directly with the kids who use the park and the wider community, to ensure we’re delivering a space they can enjoy, that meets their needs.

“It’s important that we provide an environment where young people feel safe participating and being actively involved in their community,” Cr Conroy said.