Council is excited to be delivering an upgraded skate park for our budding Olympians! Since its inclusion as an Olympic sport, enthusiasm for skateboarding has increased and improved facilities will support the aspirations of local youth and other potential competitors. The Cooke Park skate park will be refurbished and extended to provide a modern, safe and inclusive environment for young people.

Features of the upgrade include:

• Cost - $573,040
• Function and safety assessment of skatepark, ensuring all repair works and associated methods respond to work required
• Increase concrete footprint on Southern end including seats x3
• Installation of a shade shelter
• Bins
• Ramped connection path from existing path network to skatepark
• Cleaning and preparation
• Extension of skatepark including all earthworks, concrete and finishes and obstacles
• Entry area connections to existing path including seats x2
• Local artists to highlight skatepark
• Increase concrete footprint behind down rail

Community consultation for this project was completed in 2021. Feedback included:

• 64% of users are skateboarders, 24% ride scooters
• 45% visit weekly
• The volcano/mogul and mini ramp are the most popular features
• Users are almost evenly divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced skill sets
• Other activities they would like to see in the park are basketball and a pump track
• Users want to see shelter, more smooth concrete, more space for beginners, and for graffiti to be removed
• The would like to see a traditional style park installed

Cooke Park is one of Strathfield’s largest parks, popular with soccer and cricket players. A synthetic field, new amenities building and upgraded playground were added between 2017 - 2021. The Skate Park features a small open bowl with a flat bank, hips and pyramid with block, with elements suitable for BMXs, skateboards, scooters and rollerblades.

This project will refurbish the existing skate park, enliven the space and reduce the incidences of graffiti through installed artworks, and join the skatepark to other park features creating an appealing recreational space.. New features will ensure the space is inclusive for all skill levels, forming a hub for youth and social connection.

Other park features like seating, shading and accessible pathways will add to the overall amenity and functionality of the area.