LAKE Macquarie City Council is likely to reintroduce a skate park to its planned $1.5-million upgrade of Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park in Morisset.
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The skate park had been part of the initial draft master plan for the site, but concerns about the proximity of the skate facility to homes prompted the council to consider other options.
Council officers and police investigated alternative sites for a skate park in the town. They identified community land adjacent to Morisset Lions Park, on Dora Street, as the preferred location for the proposed facility.
A report to council said the site was deemed to provide “good passive surveillance, access to public transport and local businesses and an adequate buffer” from homes.
However, council’s subsequent discussions with NSW Roads and Maritime Services, Ausgrid and NSW State Rail identified significant problems with the Dora Street site.
These included concerns about pedestrian and vehicular access, and the presence of an “overhead electrical easement (poles and wires) and a major 11,000-volt underground easement” through and next to the site.
“The extent of the concerns renders the site unsuitable for a skate park,” a report to council concluded.
Council’s recent service delivery standing committee meeting discussed reinstating the proposed skate park in Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park, but at a new location that provided a buffer between the skate facility and residents.
During the initial exhibition of the draft master plan in early 2016, council received six objections and seven letters of support for a skate facility in the park.
The amended draft master plan exhibited this year received 22 submissions, with 16 respondents supporting the placement of the skate facility next to the proposed playground at Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park.
The full council will consider the matter at its meeting on Monday, July 23.