Harvey Skatepark opens thanks to the dedication of two young locals

The new Harvey skatepark which opened at the weekend was made possible by the passion of young people.

Sunday was a victory lap for young Harvey locals Harry Boylan and Jake Baggetta, both of whom were integral in the development of the park.

In 2019, after seeing a gap in the community, Mr Boylan entered a council meeting with the idea to build a skatepark for the community.

After delivering a passionate speech, with similar advocacy from Mr Baggetta, the council was persuaded and broke ground on the project.

Watching people fly out of the bowl and zip around the pump track, Mr Boylan said it felt great.

He said anyone who sees a gap in their community should feel encouraged to speak up and make the change happen.

Present on the day were several politicians, from Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke, Forrest MHR Nola Marino and Perth MHR Patrick Gorman, who is Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister.

Mr Gorman said the park was proof of community democracy in action.

“(Mr Boylan and Mr Baggetta) saw a problem that needed to be fixed and they went through a really clever democratic way of fixing it,” he said.

“This to me is not just a skate park, this is also a monument to good community democracy done well.”

Shire of Harvey president Michelle Campbell said working with the youth of Harvey had been a “highlight” of the project.

“This skate park is not all about concrete and ramps,” she said.

“It’s a space where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come tougher and express themselves, push their limits and create unforgettable memories.”

After the official ceremony, the celebrations continued with scooters, skateboards and BMX bikes flying high above the ramps.