Shire of Harvey to progress Harvey Skate Park plan after voting to accept draft concept plan

A much-anticipated upgrade to skating facilities in Harvey is one step closer to fruition, with the project now two steps away from construction.

Harvey Shire elected members voted late last month to accept the Harvey Skate Park draft concept plan, endorse the proposed site in Meriden Park and to request the detailed design and construction contracts go out to tender.

A community consultation for the project was undertaken by design consultant Playce in September, with the majority of participants being aged between 11 and 13.

A mixed-styled design was the most popular choice for potential users, with transition elements such as mini ramps and bowls also high in popularity.

Consultations conducted at local schools focused more on the need for a social space, as well as ensuring the space provided progression opportunities for less experienced skate park users.

The draft concept plan handed to council will see the site centered on a skate bowl with a depth of more than 1m, with two quarter pipes, a street section and two social areas.

Local agricultural industries are planned to get a nod, with pastel citrus colours the draft pallet for the site alongside features including oranges.

A small embankment is planned on the east end of the site to provide an informing viewing area and a buffer between the skate park and Hinge Road.

The report handed to councillors by Playce did note the concerns of the Harvey Hawks Soccer Club over the potential impact of the park site, particularly if it intruded on the seniors soccer pitch.

However, councillors voted to select the area directly north of the Dr Peter Topham Memorial Swimming Pool carpark as the site.

While the under 6/7 soccer pitch will need to be moved as a result, council documents note it is marked by temporary cones on game days, allowing greater flexibility with relocation.

Speaking after the meeting, Harvey Shire president Paul Gillett thanked the club for working with the Shire on the project, and said it was good to see the plans moving forward.

“It has been in the plans for a little while and the younger members of our community have been agitating for it,” he said.

“It is great to come up with a good design that works well with our future plans,” he said.

The tender for the project will go out in January, with hopes for construction to start shortly afterwards and be completed by December 2023.