Ready, set, skate… well actually skate, cycle, cruise, push, run - the youngsters of Aberdeen can use their new skate park in many fun and active ways.
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The brand new Deen City Skate Park was officially opened last Thursday and you couldn’t wipe the smiles off the faces of the host of youngsters who were there to witness it.
The youngsters joined with their mentors - Hunter Valley Police liaison officer senior constable Sheree Gray and mum Fiona Tickle - their many supporters and sponsors, the Upper Hunter Shire Council mayor Michael Johnsen and staff, and the Member for Upper Hunter George Souris.
Although the park has been open for use for several weeks, the official opening marked the achievements of the Deen City Youth Group in working hard and fundraising to achieve their goal.
The $110,000 facility was made possible by their own fundraising, with the extra help of $10,000 funds from Anglo American, donations from Aberdeen Community Caring, Aberdeen Lions Club, a NSW Sport and Recreation grant and funds from the Upper Hunter Shire Council.
It is the first stage of much bigger plans for Jefferson Park, as the council also has funds to build a basketball court and with the Aberdeen All Stars will construct a Learn to Ride Bike Track in the near future.
Deen City Youth Group member Baillee Mavin uses the skate park to ride her scooter and said it was great to see it finally open and ready for everyone to use.
The 15-year-old said the park seems to be busy all the time, which is great to see after all the time and effort that has gone into getting it.
Cr Johnsen commended the Deen City Youth Group for having the drive and passion to see the project happen.
“The drive from the youth has been relentless with the guidance from several adult individuals and it is a great tribute to them,” he said.
Mr Souris thanked all the people involved and said he was very proud to see this sort of progress being made, providing facilities for young people.
“It is an excellent facility and it is also good to be able to make use of the former tennis courts.”
The winner of the park naming competition was Edan Tickle, who was presented with a new skateboard from Jeremy Fisher and Janita Huizer from wiK’ed Frogs Board Room.
Twenty safety gear vouchers at Scone Sport Store were also distributed to the youth.
