The Lake Cathie community is looking forward to the completion of a new skate park in April 2021, if all goes to plan.
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Preliminary work has started on-site with fencing and earthworks to form the next step.
The skate park will have three key components - a skate bowl, plaza-style elements such as steps, rails and boxes, and a pump track.
The facility, located at the foreshore reserve across the road from the Lake Cathie Bowling Club, is designed to cater for all ages and levels of experience.
The $613,000 project was made possible with $301,000 from a state government Stronger Communities Fund grant awarded to the Lake Cathie-Bonny Hills Lions Club and $312,000 contributed by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
The Lake Cathie community has been pushing for a skate park for 20 years.
Lake Cathie Skate Park Project president Mick Fullbrook praised those involved with the project.
He said the skate park would bring people to Lake Cathie as well as cater to locals.
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"Tourism-wise it is going to be amazing and it will help the shops across the road," Mr Fullbrook said.
"It is going to bring so many people to Lake Cathie."
Lake Cathie-Bonny Hills Lions Club, which has thrown its support behind the project, is committed to supporting youth and improving open spaces.
The club's treasurer, Carolyn Morley, said the skate park would add a good outdoor space for the area's youth.
Mayor Peta Pinson said we needed as a community to think about youth and deliver assets to ensure our youth got to enjoy social activities.
The skate park achieves that goal.
The project, which is is the next stage in the council's Lake Cathie Foreshore Masterplan delivery, follows the construction of a playground, footpaths and amenities.
"The plans are, through the masterplan, as we move forward year by year, to make sure we are improving [the foreshore] whilst looking after our environment as well," Cr Pinson said.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said the skate park would provide another offering both for young people and people who were a little bit older and liked to have a go on a skateboard.
She said the skate park would be a great addition.
"This is a great outcome and something the community has been working on for a long, long time," Mrs Williams said.
Convic, a world leader in skate park and youth space design and construction, is building the skate park.
The facility will suit skaters as well as BMX and scooter riders.
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