City ramps up the fun for inner west skaters

Skateboard, scooter and BMX riders of all levels looking for a new outdoor exercise option in the inner west can celebrate the opening of a new skate plaza at Federal Park in Annandale.

The plaza caters for everyone from the amateur skater to the professional, with rails, ledges, walls, banks, kerbs and stairs, as well as a freestanding mini ramp.

The nearby playground has been completely refurbished and extended and now includes inclusive play spaces for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

The former industrial land at The Crescent has been transformed into expansive parkland that passes under the restored Glebe railway viaduct and links to the Glebe foreshore walk and 3.8 hectares of green space at Harold Park.

“We’ve transformed an old carpark for rental vans into new parkland, skate facilities and a wonderful playground,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“We’ve also restored and reopened the arches of the Glebe railway viaduct and upgraded shared paths throughout, giving residents and visitors easier access to the playground and parkland.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve seen just how important open spaces for both passive and active recreation are. For many of us, they have provided real solace during lockdown. The City is continuing to deliver beautiful open space for our growing inner-city population.

“The City opened the nearby 2.2 kilometre Glebe foreshore walk in 2013, and before that, we worked to ensure the old Harold Park paceway was transformed into 3.8 hectares of public parkland. This new skate park, playground and green space is a welcome expansion of our ribbon of parklands around the peninsula.”

Federal Park now features two picnic areas, one on the eastern side of the park and one on the western side, with picnic tables, barbecues and seating for everyone to enjoy once restrictions are lifted.

Viewing areas and seats have been installed throughout the park and a final link now connects shared paths from Rozelle to Glebe for people walking and riding.

The parkland and skate project joins four other City of Sydney skate zones – Waterloo Oval, Redfern Park, Ward Park in Surry Hills and the recently opened Sydney Park skate park.

Public playgrounds and outdoor fitness areas are open for use in line with public health orders, but please practice social distancing. If you have any symptoms don’t use the equipment, get tested instead.

For media enquiries or images, contact Senior Media Advisors Diana Kosanovic [email protected] or Roxanne Macara [email protected] or call the media team on 9246 7292.

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore contact Jack Begbie. Phone 0481 759 580 or email [email protected]