The Waurn Ponds Skate Park is set for redevelopment with preliminary utility works expected to commence in late August. Demolition and construction work on the concrete sections of the existing facility will then begin in September.

The upgrade of the Skate Park comes thanks to a $600 000 investment by the City of Greater Geelong adding to a $1.34 million Victorian Government grant through its Sport and Recreation Victoria Community Sport Stimulus Infrastructure Program.

Mindful of the popularity of the facility the City of Greater Geelong is keeping the half pipes open for use while the contemporary skate features and play equipment in the new park are built.

The design of the new facility was developed to incorporate wider user groups and skill levels and follows two rounds of community consultation in 2021.

Design intent pays homage to the existing ‘Snake Run’ bowl and ‘Drain’ area and the new space will create better connections between site skate and play elements.

A Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) approach was adopted providing increased line-of-sight through the space which in turn increases the site security and safety for users and the community.

The upgraded facility plan includes:

• a new street drain area;
• a new snake run bowl;
• improved street plaza;
• an area identified for a future advanced bowl;
• a youth active recreation area with various activity options;
• an additional shade structure and seating areas; and
• retaining the iconic steel ramps.

Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy: 

The Waurn Ponds Skate Park was constructed in the late 1990’s and has long been a popular meeting and active space for community members throughout that southern part of Geelong.

Victorian Government support in making this project a reality is greatly appreciated as we know it will be a terrific asset to a region that has really taken off since the initial skate park was built.

Sport portfolio chair Councillor Ron Nelson:

I applaud the beginning of work on the new skate and play space.

The concept plan for this new facility shows that it really will be worth waiting for.

It’s been an enormously popular play and skate space in the past and with its many engaging features is definitely going to attract a lot of attention once the construction is complete.

Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman also welcomed the skate park redevelopment.

This skate park upgrade will support young people in our community by revamping this popular meeting place for scooter and skateboard riders.

The Andrews Labor Government is proud to help fund local projects that will promote outdoor recreation for our kids.

The construction of the Waurn Ponds Skate Park is due to be completed by March 2023.