New Skate Park a result of State Government support

09/06/00
The success of the State Government's Skate Park Grant Scheme was demonstrated today with the official opening of the popular Willetton Skate Park.
The $100,000 facility, on Burrendah Reserve, was developed by the City of Canning and the City of Canning Youth Advisory Council.
It is one of 62 parks that are either under way or have been completed in Western Australia since the grant scheme was initiated in 1998.
Under the scheme, funding of up to $10,000 is provided to local councils by the Office of Youth Affairs to help with the development of the facilities.
Almost $600,000 has been provided so far.
Minister for Youth, Mike Board said the involvement of Youth Advisory Councils, another State Government initiative, was encouraged in the development of the skate parks to ensure they provided what young people wanted and would be well utilised.
Youth Advisory Councils operate through local authorities to provide advice on the requirements of young people and help initiate and drive projects.
"The success of the Willetton Skate Park, a very popular facility, can be directly related to the input the City of Canning YAC had in its development, design and location and the willingness of the council to listen to its young advisers and take on the project," Mr Board said.
"We have found that it is where young people are involved in the planning of youth projects that they are most successful.
"Skate Parks work and are used when they are located in areas easily accessible by and popular with young people - the partnership between local councils and their Youth Advisory Councils in the development of these facilities goes a long way to ensuring a positive outcome that benefits the whole community."
Media contact: Tamatha Smith, 9222 9211