Parkes Shire Councillor Belinda McCorkell wants to see further facilities such as a bike track, barbecue and junior skate area put in place at the Parkes Skate Park.
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She wants Council to turn the site in Hooley Street into a much greater activity area than it already is.
At the last council meeting, Cr McCorkell asked where Council was in relation to future ideas for the park.
“I’d like to see Council draw up a Master Plan and gradually chip away when funds are available,” she said.
“The site definitely has lots of potential for a cross section of activities to be developed. It is certainly an area to capitalise on.”
She also envisages a toilet block and a water bubbler installed as the project develops.
As a result of her enquiry, Council will investigate development of a plan for the park and funding for priority projects.
“A number of individuals and businesses have indicated they are prepared to donate their time and assist with resources in helping to create improved facilities at the Skate Park,” Cr McCorkell added.
In answer to her question about future plans for the area, Mr Steve Barry (Director Engineering Services) replied there had been an internal request for funding in the 2014/15 budget.
“There have been a number of enquiries from the public regarding a Master Plan for the area,” Mr Barry said.
“Allocation of any funds will be subject to availability and the priority of the project in relation to other requests within the shire.”
Mayor Ken Keith suggested a public meeting be called ‘to toss over ideas.’
“I envisage lots of consultation before we go down the path of any suitable extensions to the skate park,” Cr Keith said.
Cr Kenny McGrath said the park was currently a free facility for the youth of Parkes.
”Could we have a meeting with the Youth Committee to see what they would like to see happen at the park?” he said.
General Manager Kent Boyd said that in the end, Council would have to prioritise a number of Master Plans within the shire.
“For example we could be judging proposed extensions to the Skate Park against what is planned for a Cultural Centre,” Mr Boyd said.
“There will be no surprises however, as the core element of any Master Plan will be community consultation.”
