By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A LAST-MINUTE safety audit has indefinitely delayed Greater Dandenong Council’s keenly anticipated opening of a cutting-edge skate park in Noble Park.
The $1-million-plus Ross Reserve skate park had been expected to open this month until concerns were raised last month about its cavernous vertical bowl.
Last month, councillor Peter Brown insisted that the council launch an independent safety audit after inspecting what he described as a “massive” and “unprotected” six or seven metre drop into the bowl.
“It will not be long before we have a dead body to deal with,” he warned council officers and councillors in an email.
Cr Brown said last week that some treated his warnings as “alarmist” but there was “an obligation” on the council to restrict access to the bowl.
“You don’t have a high tower dive at a pool unattended by life guards. It’s the equivalent of that – except there’s no water, just concrete.”
He said the council – which had completed an internal safety audit – would also launch a peer review and a safety assessment by Victoria Police to deter crimes such as graffiti.
“I support the skate park but we as a council must establish the highest safety benchmarks for this facility.
“I don’t know how long it takes but it won’t be open until (the) council is satisfied.”
Greater Dandenong council had described the park’s unique range of elements including a snake run and street course as suitable for pre-teens to over-40s as well as skaters, BMX and scooter riders.
The council’s engineering services director Julie Reid said the depth of the skate park would be less than 3.5 metres.
“The works are in still progress and the final project cost and date of opening are yet to be confirmed.
“All safety precautions will be taken so far as reasonably practicable for a facility of this nature.”
The skate park, co-designed by specialist skate park creator Baseplate and skater legend Jon McGrath, is nevertheless anticipated to be a hit.
Skateboarding Victoria president Bernie Griffiths predicted the skate park would be one of the most popular in the country, attracting skaters from interstate and overseas.
“It’s because it’s got Jon McGrath’s name on it and there’s an enormous range of opportunities to have fun.
“The design is right. It has the challenges that skaters are seeking and rivals St Kilda’s park – some of the snake run and bowl features are probably better than St Kilda.”
Vice-president Nick Buskens said vertical bowls were designed for “high-end” professional skaters and spectacular competitions, though the overall park catered for all abilities.
Last month, an unhelmeted 17-year-old boy died from a head injury at a Tasmanian skate ramp but casualties were uncommon, Mr Buskens said.
