New Blackwater skatepark gets air

The concept design for a new skatepark in Blackwater has been revealed, with ground set to break on the multi-purpose facility by early next year.

The $1.45 million project is jointly funded by the Central Highlands Regional Council and the Queensland Government’s Active Community Infrastructure program.

‘After chatting with Blackwater residents and the local skating community, our consultants have come up with a concept design which we think will knock everyone’s socks off,’ council’s General Manager Communities John McDougall said.

‘Not only will the facility cater to a range of skateboarding styles and abilities, it will also include a pump track for beginner and intermediate bike riders, shelters, lighting, CCTV, landscaping and seating.

‘This is not just a skatepark, it is going to be a dynamic community hub offering safe recreational and social experiences for all members of the community – from day-to-day use to larger community events.’

Long-term Blackwater resident Theresa Daly, who has been an avid advocate for a new skatepark, said the initial concept design looked ‘amazing’.

‘Our town really needs this,’ she said.

‘In the last few years, we have had a lot of families come back to town. This park will be so beneficial to our young kiddies and families, but also for our bored teenagers.

‘We as a community will take great pride in this park. A place to wear our young kids out and a place for our older ones to hang and have fun. It will be the best project Blackwater has ever seen!’

Mr McDougall said the new facility will be located in Pushin Park, complementing planned upgrades to the adjacent Rotary Park.

‘This is all about liveability, really looking at how these spaces will be used and providing good value for our residents,’ he said.

Mr McDougall said the design of the skatepark would also work in with the masterplan for the redevelopment of Blackwater’s old pool site, which was endorsed by council last month.

‘Pulling all of these projects together helps us to create a synergy between these community areas and establish a sense of place to captivate both locals and visitors to the town,’ he said.

But that’s not the only exciting news for skateboard enthusiasts in the Central Highlands.

Mr McDougall said Dingo and Springsure would also be getting some new modular skate pieces for their facilities in coming months.

Council will now go out to tender for the design and construction phase of the Blackwater skatepark.