A SHORT list of sites for a new skate park reveals five sites at Bulli, Thirroul and Austinmer are under the consideration of Wollongong City Council.

The locations at Thirroul include the tennis courts near the train station and soccer grandstand at Thomas Gibson Park, MacCauley Park, and W.F Jackson Park. Pinecourt Park at Austinmer and the Bulli Showground are also under consideration.

Council is working with internationally-renowned skate park design firm, Convic, on a skate facility for northern suburbs.

It’s a step likely be welcomed by the northern suburbs’ skateboarding community, and follows extensive community engagement last May where Council asked people what they wanted from a skatepark.

Read more on Council’s website: Northern Suburbs Skate Park | Our Wollongong

Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said of the responses, Council had a clear preference for a combination of street and bowl over the two other options of a street and plaza, or bowl and transition.

“While it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever see me on a skateboard, I know there’s a passionate community of riders out there,” Cr Brown said.

“In May last year we asked them what they wanted for their local park.

“Convic is now looking at the information gathered through the 123 responses to the online pre-design survey as well as the feedback gathered from around 40 people at a pre-design workshop to inform its work.”

Alongside a review of the community feedback, Convic are also undertaking site analysis for the new park considering the constraints and opportunities of several sites within the northern suburbs.

Cr Brown said Council is committed to delivering a new facility for the northern suburbs.

“There are several locations we’re considering, however each come with their own challenges and constraints,” she said.

“It’s a matter of looking at each, and weighing up what risks can be mitigated, and where the community benefits lie.

“It’s important we get these steps right so that this facility can meet community needs and expectations and can be enjoyed by people for years to come.”

The Draft Delivery and Operational Plan currently proposes the construction of the northern suburbs skatepark will begin in 2026 and be completed in 2027.

Before the end of the year, Council say it will share the proposed location, a draft design and seek further feedback on the plans.

Cr Brown said Council is particularly interested to hear from young people, females and gender diverse community members.

“We want this space to be something everyone can enjoy,” she said.

“If you look at other facilities like Holborn Park in Berkeley, it has become a real community hub. It’s not just a space for skateboarders and scooter riders, so it’s essential we hear from as many people as possible.’’

Keep updated on this project by opting to Stay Informed through Council’s engagement website.

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