Pumping new track for Southern Grampians Youth
Published on 22 June 2024
Work will commence this month to install a new pump track at the Hamilton Skate Park.
The project, identified through Council’s 2022 Youth Survey and further engagement with Hamilton Skate Park users in 2023, was funded in the 2023/24 budget. Design works to develop a vision for the upgrade of the entire Skate Park precinct have taken place over the last eight months, with a staged rollout to commence with the pump track installation.
The fibreglass track will be installed on a compacted base, providing 64 metres of a looped track for pump-circuit enthusiasts.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor David Robertson said Council were excited to see this project underway for the region’s young people.
“We are really pleased to be able to provide this amazing new equipment for the young people of the Southern Grampians. Through our engagement with youth, we often hear there isn’t much to do in Hamilton. We hope this new feature of the skate park will provide some excitement and a new experience for many,” said Cr Robertson.
“We had great attendance our recent Skate Fest youth event hosted at the Skate Park so we know it’s an important location that should be maximised for our older youth.
“This new track will be the first phase of the Hamilton Skate Park Precinct upgrade costing $180,000 where there are future plans to overhaul the whole area, making it a space for our youth to be social and ultimately have a location that is specifically designed for them.
“The second phase, yet to be funded, will be an extension of the park which includes the installation of a new concrete bowl to replace the half pipe which we know is a current favourite. This piece of equipment is at its end-of-life and needs to be upgraded for user safety,” concluded Cr Robertson.
A number of impacted trees need to be removed at the project site, to allow for the pump track installation, which will mean closing the Skate Park on Friday 28 June (weather permitting). The metal half pipe will also be removed during the first phase of pump track installation which will mean another date of closure that will be communicated once confirmed.
For more information on the Hamilton Skate Park Precinct, please contact Council’s Recreation Team on 5573 0444.