City of Wanneroo to investigate need for upgraded BMX track or skate park in Landsdale

THE need for an upgraded BMX track or skate park in Landsdale will be investigated by the City of Wanneroo.

MORE: Vandalised primary school looks to the future

MORE: Veteran Perth newsreader has a crack at politics

MORE: Perth eatery given license to serve alcohol at 7am

Landsdale resident Deanna Fogliani said the current track at Warradale Park was unused and needed repair.

“Nobody uses the BMX track at the moment (and) it’s dangerous,” she said.

Her three children enjoy visiting the skate parks in Wanneroo and Ocean Reef but she said there was not much for their age group to do around Landsdale.

Ms Fogliani sought feedback via social media as to whether fellow residents supported upgrading the BMX track and/or creating a skate park at the site and said most wanted to see both done.

“Everyone’s really happy about it,” she said.

“There are so many kids in Landsdale. It’s just somewhere they can go.”

Councillor Domenic Zappa submitted a petition at last week’s council meeting based on Ms Fogliani’s proposal and said local children had been involved in collecting signatures.

He also introduced a motion on notice, which sparked a sometimes heated debate among elected members.

Cr Zappa said the track had not had many upgrades since it was built in 1999 and wanted residents’ input as to how it could be improved.

“I’m requesting the City undertake consultation to understand more properly what they would like to see,” he said.

“It’s important to get out there to consult and find out what the community wants.”

Cr Denis Hayden said if successful, wheeled sports facilities could be installed in every ward but Landsdale was “a good place to start”.

“The track is pretty obsolete at the moment, in fact it’s dangerous,” he said.

Cr Samantha Fenn moved a procedural motion to refer the recommendation to the City’s South Ward Community Reference and Sporting User Group but it lapsed for want of a seconder.

Highlighting the growth of Landsdale’s population, Cr Brett Treby said the existing facility was not the same as others in the City.

Cr Fenn said she supported the desire for community consultation but was concerned Warradale Park had received “lots of attention” in the past few years.

“It should be looked at in relation to all the other parks in the area,” she said.

Mayor Tracey Roberts ruled her comments out of order and she was directed to speak to the motion.

Cr Treby clarified his remarks, reiterating the need for the facility at the park.

“I’m not sure councillors are aware of the lack of parks in Landsdale, the lack of active space,” he said.

Cr Zappa had his attempts to add to the motion, offer a point of clarification and introduce new information rejected so he ended with a right of reply reaffirming the suburb needed more active reserves.

The recommendation to undertake consultation regarding the need for an upgraded wheeled sports facility at Warradale Park passed, with only Cr Fenn voting against the motion.

Corporate strategy and performance director Noelene Jennings said the proposal would not be included in this year’s budget but may form part of the City’s long-term financial plan.

At the meeting’s end, Mrs Roberts reminded councillors to be aware of procedures.

“It’s the first meeting of the year; we need to understand that we are in formal meeting mode,” she said.