Cohuna cash bonanza continues

Published on 22 July 2020

The rejuvenation of recreational infrastructure throughout Cohuna continues to receive support from the State and Federal Government, with the redevelopment of the Cohuna Skate Park to proceed thanks to a Sport and Recreation Victoria grant.

Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp announced earlier this month the $600,000 redevelopment will proceed after Council received a $250,000 grant through the Community Facilities Program.

“Council thanks the State Government for its continued support of the Gannawarra, highlighted not only by this funding but also by its financial commitment to the $3.4 million Cohuna CBD and Waterfront Development,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“The redevelopment of the Cohuna Skate Park builds on the rejuvenation of the Apex Park area, supported by the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund, as well as improvements to the Cohuna Recreation Reserve entrance.”

Council undertook extensive community consultation in late 2019 to determine what features users would like incorporated in the redevelopment, working closely with a group of skate park users to outline what they want to see in the new-look venue.

“It has been an exciting journey with the kids putting forward their ideas at school meetings, gatherings at the skate park and at public events during the past two years,” Jess Mihailovic, who played a key role in the community consultation, said.

“At times we thought this upgrade wasn’t going to happen, but when we started putting in the effort, including talking to the planners, architect and Council, the ball started rolling and everyone is stoked.

This feedback led to the development of the final design, which involves the redevelopment and extension of the current skate park.

Other features include new paths, riding areas, open space, toilets, play areas and seating to cater for users of all types, levels and abilities.

ABOVE: Xave Mihailovic is one of the many users of the Cohuna Skate Park looking forward to the facility's redevelopment.

“Right now it gets a bit crowded, so it will be good for some more space,” Cohuna Skate Park user, Jackson Hivon said.

“I can’t wait for lots more variety [within the park],” fellow user, Aiden Konopka said.

“The kids are so proud of having their ideas really taken on board and worked in. They really thought about how the park would flow and how different skill levels could be integrated,” Ms Mihailovic said.

It is anticipated the redevelopment will be completed in early 2021.

“Council thanks the State Government for its continued support and looks forward to seeing this project and the young people’s vision come to fruition,” Mr O’Reilly said.   

MAIN PHOTO: Cohuna Skate Park users are excited that the venue's redeveloped will proceed after the project received support from the State Government.