’Gatha skaters stoked

SKATERS in Leongatha are pumped flowing the announcement of a $100,000 Coalition State Government funding contribution to the $420,000 project to redevelop the 22 year old local skate park.
Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan addressed a gathering of skaters at the park on Friday morning and said, “The new skate park will replace the currently well used and aging facility.”
The South Gippsland Shire’s recreation coordinator Ian Murphy praised the local youths for proactively bringing the project to reality.
“This would not be happening if it wasn’t for the young kids approaching council and saying they wanted the facility updated.”
Kyle Kennedy, Adam Drury and Ben Patterson formed the action group.
Mr Murphy said Ben’s presentation to council was a key factor in getting council to support the project.
Ben said he has used the skate park since he was eight years old.
“As footy is for a lot of guys, skating has been my sport and it is good to see there is finally some money being put into the South Gippsland skating community.”
Ben also thanked the shire’s community support strengthening officer, Sophie Dixon and recreation coordinator, Ian Murphy for their “endless support and for always being accessible and willing to help.”
Ben said the current skate park is well past its use by date.
The new park, he said would feature a bigger bowl with more street elements including rails.
It would, he said, “be neater and sharper.”
The funding is guaranteed and not dependant on the outcome of Saturday’s election.

Early grab: back row from left, Adam Drury, Lynton Sherman, Kyle Kennedy, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and the Member for Eastern Victoria Danny O’Brien and front row from left, Jake Rockall, Zac Van Delft, Zac Caughey, Ben Kewming, Josh Boler and Josh Bracken.

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Posted by Sarah Vella on Nov 25 2014. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry