Maryborough’s growing numbers of young skaters and scooter riders can now take their kickflips and front-sides to the next level, thanks to the completion of the new skate and scooter park in Maryborough.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett MP joined local celebrations today to officially open the new skate and scooter park, made possible by a $250,000 investment from the Victorian Government’s Local Sport Infrastructure Fund.

The new skate and scooter park was identified as a priority project after more than 1000 young people from Maryborough signed a petition and presented it to Central Goldfields Shire Council.

The park includes a range of elements to support different disciplines for beginner, intermediate and advanced users. In addition to these elements such as mini ramps, quarter pipe, flat bars and banks, the park also includes shade, seating, paths, and landscaping to make it a welcoming and accessible space for all.

The park now provides the perfect venue for the community to host more skateboard, inline, scooter and BMX programs, competitions, and activities. Located close to the BBQ area and playground, it provides more physical activity opportunities for local young people.

The Victorian Government has invested more than $1.6 billion in community sport and active recreation infrastructure since 2014.

From play space upgrades to new skate parks, investments like these provide high-quality and accessible places for Victorians to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation participation.

They are all about creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and fast-tracking community recovery by improving the health, wellbeing, and social outcomes for Victorian communities.

Ms Haylett acknowledged the Central Goldfields Shire for its $395,000 financial contribution to the park, and recognised the Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough, and St Arnaud for its $40,000 contribution, in partnership with the Maryborough Lions Club.

For more information about community sport infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit www.sport.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett MP

“Young locals worked hard for this outcome and I am excited to now see it become a reality for them.”

“I am proud to be a part of a government that listened to locals’ needs and delivered a brand-new skate park for them - in partnership with council, the local Community Bank and Lions Club. This is a happy day for the Maryborough community.”