WORK is expected to start on a new skate park and playground at Lakeside in the second half of 2016.
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At the same time Port Stephens Council will construct a fitness trail at Boomerang Park.
The council was successful in its application to the state government’s Social Housing Community Improvement Fund. It received $50,000 for the beginner’s skate facility and a further $50,000 for the playground last week, in addition to $30,000 for the trail.
“This is something I have been working with the Port Stephens Council staff on for several years,” Cr Ken Jordan said.
“I have told them that a regional skate park in Boomerang Park is not enough for Raymond Terrace -we need a facility for Lakeside.”
The council has some serious street credentials when it comes to skate parks. Paterson MP Bob Baldwin secured $60,000 in federal funds for the Wallalong facility in 2013 that was matched dollar-for-dollar by the council.
That facility was opened in November 2014 by Mr Baldwin, Cr Jordan and the mayor of Port Stephens, Cr Bruce MacKenzie.
“Seaham has a wonderful Skate Park and it is still graffiti free,” Cr Jordan said.
“We will work with the community to find the best location at Lakeside and the best design to meet the community’s needs.”
The council will contribute an additional $25,000 to provide a $75,000 playground, to replace the existing facility near the commercial precinct at Lakeside, as well as $20,000 to provide a total of $50,000 for the exercise trail at Boomerang Park.
“Council is investigating a location for the beginners skate facility to be co-located with existing recreation spaces, such as the commercial precinct or the Lakeside Sports Complex,” the council’s community and recreation coordinator Brendan Callander said.
“All three projects will commence in the new financial year, with completion earmarked in time for the summer season.”
The state government grants come under the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund run by the Department of Family and Community Services.
The NSW Government announced Round 1 of the SHCIF in November 2015.
The SHCIF will provide $20 million in funding over three years to improve the liveability and amenity of social housing communities.