Chinchilla skatepark officially re-opens with fun activities

Celebrate the official re-opening of the popular Chinchilla skatepark with a community fun day on Saturday 11 May.

A slappy pad, pump track, spine, bowl, pyramid and pool coping are just some of the world-class new features of the Chinchilla skatepark, which undertook a complete overhaul a few months ago.

Western Downs Regional Council spokesperson for Parks, Open Spaces and Cemeteries, Councillor Carolyn Tillman said that while the skatepark has been open for a few months now, Council wanted to officially acknowledge the great work that’s been done.

“We have planned some fun community activities to coincide with the official opening of the skatepark as a way to celebrate this popular spot for our young people to enjoy,” she said.

“The benefits of exercise for our children and teenagers has been well-documented and this skatepark provides an opportunity for fun, unstructured exercise.

“We appreciate the support of local businesses for this event, including Dianne and Steve at Mini Motors who are donating a scooter as one of the giveaways during the morning.”

The fun day will commence with a family-friendly Charley’s Creek Park walk/run from 7am, then a bootcamp from 8am.

After the official opening at 9am there will be free demos and giveaways, face painting and market stalls, with food available to purchase.

“Laser skirmish is always popular with the kids, we’re also hosting extreme film making workshops during the morning,” Cr Tillman said.

“Limited places are available for these workshops, so bookings are essential and can be made via Council’s website.”

The demolition and rebuild of the skatepark took place in November and December last year.

Chinchilla residents Brad and Claudia Ehlers were two strong voices behind the community campaign for the new skatepark.

“The old park had been used for around 15 years and was wearing out,” Brad said.

“It had quite a few patch-ups, but the surface was cracked and a bit dangerous, we even nicknamed it the ‘cheese grater’.”

“The various new obstacles include a slappy pad, pump track, spine, bowl, pyramid and pool coping, which is a kind of ceramic tile that is used for grinding on,” he said.

“These are some of the most up-to-date features in the world, making this park the envy of other skateparks across the state.

“I’ve been skateboarding since I was a kid, it’s really great to see more and more girls getting into the sport in recent years.

“But this isn’t just about skateboards, we are happy to see scooters, bmx bikes and even roller skates!

“We’re working to make this an inclusive, community place, where young people can feel safe.”

For more information about the activities happening at the reopening, visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 COUNCIL.

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Melanie Coultas          Senior Media & Communications Officer             0419 048 594