Mills Park skate park officially opened

SKATERS from Gosnells are already swarming to the new skate plaza at Mills Park in Beckenham.

That should not surprise anyone, as many of them helped design the park and make it into what it is.

Minister for Local Government Tony Simpson, who even tested the skate park out himself, officially opened the on Wednesday .

Coinciding with Youth Week and the school holidays, up to 50 people packed out the plaza with some of the state’s best skateboarders showing off their skills.

City of Gosnells chief executive Ian Cowie said the park was originally going to be about half the size of what was eventually built.

“We have worked closely with the local youth and believe it is important for users to have a say in what they are creating,” he said.

“Otherwise they are not going to use it in a way they would want to.”

He said the City held workshops with skaters in order to make the skate plaza more appealing to youth.

The plaza is part of the $47 million Mills Park project in Beckenham, which is the City’s biggest project; the skate park is part of stage one.

Mr Simpson said skate parks were one of the most requested assets from youth to local governments.

“Every community wants a skate park of some description,” he said.

“This is one of the current modern ones, where people can skate, scooter, BMX; if it has got wheels you will be able to bring down.

“It is certainly different to an old fashion skate park and corner half pipe.”