Arundel Mini Ramp a Mega Hit with Skaters

The latest skate park facelift, creating the City’s first ‘mini ramp’, has been officially given the thumbs up.

Ten-year-old skate boarding prodigy and Australian under 18 bowl-riding champ, Keegan Palmer joined Division 4 Councillor, Margaret Grummitt to test the new ramp, in Olsen Avenue Arundel, and Skateboarding Australia applauded the latest addition.

Councillor Grummitt said the ramp was ideal for beginners and intermediate users of all ages and replaced a 20-year-old facility that had ‘reached its end of life’.

“Everybody knows that skate boarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. It’s an outdoor pursuit that encourages young people to be active and healthy,” said Councillor Grummitt.

“The $120,000 renewal of this facility was in consultation with industry professionals, local key skate park users, local residents and service providers. The outcome is a unique place that allows young people to come together to enjoy their chosen sport.”

Councillor Grummitt said it had been built in line with current best practice and was ideally positioned to allow the general public to have passive surveillance over the facility.

“The old asset was at the back of the park and quite outdated. The new facility is close to a bus stop and in line with the City’s ‘Strategic and Operational Plan for Skate and BMX Facilities’,” she said.

“The ramp is about 1.5 metres high and will complement the larger 2.5 metre high ramp at nearby Keith Hunt Park. Its completion has been much anticipated among local skate board enthusiasts, and I have no doubt it will be very popular.”

Skateboarding Australia Queensland Development Manager Jim Dandy said the mini ramp was a great new addition on the Gold Coast.

“Skateboarding here is certainly growing at a rapid rate and is producing some amazing talents. Not only did Arundel desperately require a new facility but the Gold Coast needed a good mini ramp that’s fun for everyone. Every new and upgraded facility shows a commitment to the thousands of young people on the Gold Coast who are pursuing their passion.”

Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair, Councillor Bob La Castra said there were 30 skate parks across the City of varying configurations and ability levels.

“The $200,000 Coolangatta Skate Park is scheduled to be officially opened in May. The other good news is that upgrades are planned for Mudgeeraba and Ormeau later this year,” he said.

“Skate parks are a positive investment in the youth of our city. All you need to do is drive past any skate park outside school times and the numbers of young people using them tells the story of their success.”

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