OLYMPIAN skateboarder Hayley Wilson helped open Donnybrook’s newest skate park in style on Saturday morning, wowing the crowd with her wizardry on the board.
The new skate park opened in Donnybrook’s Olivine estate, which was completed in collaboration between the City of Whittlesea, Mirvac and the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
A grant of $300,000 was awarded by the government as it showed strong community benefits, improving physical and mental wellbeing and providing an inclusive space for young people.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox, Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage, Ms Wilson and Mirvac Development Director Glen Greening helped launch the new facility.
Cr Cox said the facility would be strongly welcomed by the young Donnybrook community.
“The Olivine Skate Park is another strong example of what can be achieved through our partnership with Mirvac, delivering infrastructure that reflects what the Donnybrook community has told us it needs. With support from the Victorian Government through the Growing Suburbs Fund, we’re able to continue investing in facilities that make a real difference for local communities,” he said.
“We know how important it is for young people to have safe, welcoming spaces close to home. This skate park has been designed with inclusion in mind and gives young people a place to be active, social and part of their growing community.”
Ms Wilson said it was fantastic to be able to see young kids get the opportunity to use a skate park, just as she did growing up in Alexandra.
“It’s great. It’s a massive turnout, which is fantastic for the community to come out, support and watch us skate,” she said.
“I come from a small town, but this is a small community which is growing. Coming from a small town, I had to get my resources from elsewhere and come to Melbourne every weekend, so to have something like this (in Donnybrook) is great to push the sport.
“Seeing kids be active is so great to see.”
Mr Greening said the skate park was a key addition to the Donnybrook community.
“Our goal at Olivine has always been to create spaces that bring people together and encourage active, healthy lifestyles. We ran community consultations including surveys, info sessions, and Facebook posts and it was clear that a skate park was something people really wanted. After looking at nearby parks, we saw that this concept would be a great addition to the other sports facilities at Olivine,” he said.
“Donnybrook is one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing areas, and we’re proud to be adding public open space that benefits both residents and the wider community. With more young children in the area, the skate park gives kids and teenagers a safe, fun place to hang out, stay active, and connect with each other.”
