The newly transformed St Leonards Skate Park is ready to take local youth recreation to a whole new level, thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant on Friday joined City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Cr Trent Sullivan and local community members to officially open the new skate park, which received $369,111 in funding from the Victorian Government.

With more and more families moving into the City of Greater Geelong, demand for dedicated youth facilities is on the rise.

Works have expanded the previous skate area to include a mini-ramp, quarter pipes, flat banks, rails, and manual pads as well as new plaza, shelter, and park seating areas.

The improvements provide a great space for local skaters, scooter riders, bike riders and more to test their skills on a facility that caters for beginners right up to advanced.

There are also new opportunities to host local competitions and events at the new youth space.

The St Leonards Skate Park upgrades were delivered in consultation with young local residents led by Ethan Coleman from Bellarine Secondary College who collected an 800-signature strong petition to help kick start the project.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 is providing more than $213 million to deliver and improve community sports infrastructure and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs and organisations.

It’s part of the more than $1.9 billion invested in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.

Ms Marchant acknowledged the City of Greater Geelong for its financial contribution of more than $300,000 towards the St Leonards Skate Park and the local community for helping to advocate for the new facility.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available through the Victorian Government visit sport.vic.gov.au

 Quotes attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant 

“The community asked for this and it’s fantastic for them to have the skate park they deserve. This new skate park will mean locals have another place to keep active and enjoy the outdoors.”

“St Leonards is home to a passionate and growing community of skaters, and it’s wonderful to see they now have a skatepark that meets the needs of people of all ages and abilities.”

“Better facilities make it easier for Victorians to get into local sport and recreation and live active and healthy lifestyles.”