That " Skatepark " proposal !

The city of Wollongong has two dedicated " Skateparks " , one each at Fairy Meadow and Dapto and there are calls for another to be built to service the needs of Warrawong.   Few would disagree that facilities to allow kids to develop their skateboard skills delivers a positive message on good health and crime control, but unfortunately there is also a down side.

Ask anyone who lives near the two existing Skateparks and you will get a negative picture of the outcomes that quickly developed.   Perhaps it is a need to " mark their territory " , but graffiti around Skateparks intensifies.  It also seems to develop a " gang " culture.   The facilities can only cater for a small number of riders at any one time and those with the muscle to dominate usually rule the roost.   There is also a noise problem that lasts until late at night.  Not only does the thrum of wheels on concrete become invasive, the shouts of encouragement make life a hell for nearby residents.  Inspection of these facilities usually reveals a littering problem.

Skateparks certainly serve a purpose, but they also have a strong NIMBY factor.   The proposed site for the Warrawong Skatepark, directly opposite the Illawarra Yacht club, is right in the middle of a densely packed suburb.

Council might do well to consider locating this new Skatepark amenity in the Warrawong retail facility that houses Harvey Norma, the Good Guys, Domayne and a host of other bulk warehouses that sit beside a major highway.   The one thing that keeps a juvenile centre within civilized bounds is the presence of people, and this centre attracts big retail crowds during both the day and the evening opening times.  It is also overlooked by traffic constantly passing on a main road.  The other advantage is that it lacks housing - and therefore permanent residents.

It would seem the best of both worlds.   High pedestrian and motor traffic ensure that the facility is constantly monitored and the fact that it is in a retail complex served by building security adds a control measure.  In this age of mobile phones, any serious disturbance will result in a police alert and yet the facility is far removed from a close residential area.

The solution to most problems is a degree of compromise.   Sharing noise with an ever passing group of people removes the NIMBY factor !