PROPOSED HELENSBURGH SKATE FACILITY

We print here a letter received by Helensburgh Community Centre from Wollongong Council recently.

As discussed at the public meeting held in December 2002, a report was submitted to Council in February 2003 outlining the issues discussed at this meeting and previous public meetings.

Specifically, the report discussed the following:
• adequacy of existing fencing in Rex Jackson Park
• sealing and formalising car parking areas
• additional toilet facilities
• adequacy of existing field lighting
• surveillance of a skate facility, including fencing and lighting of the facility itself.

The report also proposed a way forward to progress these issues. Council resolved to proceed to the next stage of the project, which would be to prepare detailed designs and costings for the skate facility and associated works. The design phase will incorporate two processes, including:

1. Development of the Rex Jackson Park master plan. Community representatives will be included on the working party for the development of the master plan to ensure the issues listed are considered and addressed.

2. Detailed designs for the skate facility. A specialist project group, involving local skaters, will be formed to prepare detailed designs.

Once detailed designs and costings have been prepared, a Development Application will be lodged and the project submitted for funding in the 2004-5 Corporate Plan for construction.

A meeting will be held to progress the master plan and a letter will be sent to those people who indicated they would like to be involved in the design stage of this project, advising the date, time and location for the meeting.
I hope this information helps to clarify the outcome from the series of meetings we have been having regarding the proposed skate facility for Helensburgh. Please don’t hesitate to contact me on the number below if you have any further queries.

Renee Buhagiar, Recreation & Open Space Project Officer, Wollongong City Council - Direct Line 4227 7573