Renton Millar emailed me last night with a release saying that the St Kilda Skate Park was finally happening! The park is being developed in the marina area – the latest of a string of proposed sites – and should be finished sometime in late 2012. Construction is due to begin early in 2012. I’ve emailed the council for more details but the rumor is that the plan will include the bowl (something that was dropped a little while back). Anyway, full release is below and I’ll post more details as they become available. A massive thanks and congrats to Renton who has fought really, really hard for a long time on this too.

(Photo by Julius Kellar)

###

Marina Reserve plan sign-off is a “win for young people and their families for generations to come.”

“A win for young people and their families for generations to come.” That was the message from City of Port Phillip Mayor Cr Rachel Powning today (Monday 20 June) after the Minister for Environment and Climate Change approved Council’s ‘Marina Reserve Masterplan’.

Speaking shortly after hearing the decision, Mayor Cr Rachel Powning said: “This is truly fantastic news. We are thrilled to get the great skateable space that local young people wanted, but proud that the plans offer so much more. With a picnic area and BBQs, tables and seating, a new loop walking and bicycle path, along with improved toilet and environmental features, this will be an open space that all local people can enjoy.

“This will be an open space for everyone, from picnicking families to skaters of all abilities, from beginners to elite. Simply put, today’s decision is a win for young people and their families, for generations to come.”

Council approved the plans for the Marina Reserve in October last year. Features included an active recreation and skateable space, BBQ and picnic area, new walking paths and bike lanes, public toilets and viewing areas, all set within an expanse of green open space.

Following consultation with DSE (Department of Sustainability and Environment), the Council’s improved plans will provide even more for families, providing a great place for active and passive recreation.
Mayor Powning said: “Today’s approval is testament to the extensive community consultation we undertook last year, putting the views of local people at the heart of this project.

“Our foreshore is shared by the whole community, from walkers to skaters, picnickers to cyclists, older people to young children. We were determined that any plans for Marina Reserve would provide something special for all these groups, enabling them to share this local treasure together.”

The works will provide additional infrastructure and an extension to the foreshore promenade.

Next steps are to develop the detailed plan and operations plan with further input from local residents. Council will also facilitate a “Friends of Marina Reserve” for all those interested in joining in and helping the project develop.
Current plans are to develop detailed design and be ready to tender by late 2011. Construction is slated to commence early 2012 with an estimated construction period of 12 to 18 months.