Published on Wednesday, 5 February 2025 at 9:52:03 AM
A new skatepark, pump track, ball courts and climbing wall at Wilson Park are one step closer, with the Shire of Plantagenet securing more than $500,000 of State Government funding to support the project.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Forward Planning Grant via the Community Sports and Recreation Facilities Fund will provide $506,005 towards the Wilson Park Youth Recreation Zone.
Shire President Len Handasyde thanked Minister David Templeman for the grant, and said the Youth Recreation Zone was the first stage of the Wilson Park Recreational Masterplan, endorsed by the Council in February 2024.
“The Youth Recreation Zone comprises a skate park, pump and jump track, hardcourts for basketball, netball and a separate half court, two outdoor fitness stations, a boulder climbing wall, table tennis and parkour area, all lit up by floodlights,” Cr Handasyde said.
“It will significantly enhance the skateboarding, BMX, mountain biking and scooter-riding infrastructure for young people in our community.”
“Five to 19-year-olds make up nearly 18% of our population, and the community has told us facilities and activities for young people are a key priority.”
Skatepark community engagement was held in June with skatepark design and construction company, Skate Sculpture. Pump track community engagement was held in August with trail building company, Three Chillies.
Cr Handasyde said the entire $6.5 million park redevelopment would maximise available space at Wilson Park and deliver a family-friendly passive and active recreational precinct accessible to all ages and abilities.
“With a six percent increase in families living in Plantagenet since 2016, the Council wishes to ensure the future needs of our community are met, and we are pleased to be progressing this project stage by stage into the future,” Cr Handasyde said.
“Construction of the Youth Recreation Zone is anticipated to commence in January 2026 and is expected to take approximately six months to complete.”
The masterplan was developed in consultation with stakeholders and the community, including Kendenup Playgroup, the Mount Barker Lions Club and the Mount Barker Mountain Bike Group, as well as the broader Plantagenet community.
A copy of the masterplan is available here.
Shire President Len Handasyde, Member for Albany Rebecca Stephens and Chief Executive Officer Julian Murphy at Wilson Park.
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