A nine-year-old skater and his friends have rallied more than 700 youth to call for improvements to Gisborne Skate Park.
Gisborne local Thomas Gilmour is seeking expansion including more challenging elements, a pump track, water taps and lighting to meet increased demand at the site.
He launched his campaign in October when he noticed a struggle for ramp time between new, young and experienced skaters.
“The skate park has been crowded and there’s not really a space where younger kids can skate or ride away from the older experienced kids,” he told the Express.
“We want to make the skate park safer for everyone to use and making these changes will help a lot.”
Thomas has suggested making better use of the park’s dirt track area behind the skate park, which he says is often unusable due to potholes and puddles.
“We’re desperate for more skating and scooting space and the answer is right in front of us,” he said.
“An upgraded and expanded park would offer more challenges and help all skill levels develop – more challenges, more learning and more confidence.”
He said lighting for the site would increase usage and improve safety.
Thomas rallied his friends and together they gained the support of 738 people including school students, principals, and teachers from numerous schools seeking skate park upgrades. A creative video highlighting the issues also helped their plight.
Significant community backing encouraged Thomas to approach South Ward councillor Dominic Bonanno for help, who was also his former football coach.
Cr Bonanno said he was impressed by the effort Thomas and fellow skaters had put into the request.
“It’s great to hear from our youngest residents and they have set a great example,” Cr Bonanno said.
“This is what I want to see more of – it tells us what is important to people in our community.”
Macedon Ranges Shire Council voted last week to refer the request to the 2021/22 Council Budget process for consideration.
