Skate Park, library safety upgrades completed

Published on 16 July 2021

Visitors to the Kerang Skate Park and Sir John Gorton Library are benefiting from improved internet connectivity and safety measures following the recent completion of works as part of the Atkinson Park - A Safer Precinct for All project.

The $74,840 project, made possible thanks to $71,840 from the State Government’s Community Safety Infrastructure Grant, involved the installation of a wi-fi hot spot at the Kerang Skate Park and the addition of CCTV cameras at both the skate park and the Sir John Gorton Library.

The project also involved improved lighting throughout Atkinson Park and the installation of a smart bench at the skate park, which features mobile phone and tablet charging facilities.

“The installation of the smart bench will provide a point of difference for the Kerang Skate Park compared to other parks throughout regional Victoria, especially for locals and visitors to the area looking for a place to test their skateboarding, BMX riding or scooter skills,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Other safety improvements, including the extra lighting around Atkinson Park and CCTV at both the skate park and Sir John Gorton Library, promote a sense of ownership for people who use these locations frequently.”

The improvements also complement Northern District Community Health’s Paint the Park mural project, completed in February 2021 after the project received funding through Council’s 2019 Community Grants Program.

“Council thanks the State Government for supporting the Atkinson Park - A Safer Precinct for All project and looks forward to residents and visitors benefiting from these improvements,” Mr O’Reilly said.

ABOVE: Kerang Skate Park visitors can charge their mobile phones and tablets onsite thanks to the recent installation of a smart bench.