Legend - Cessnock City Council

Cessnock Skate and BMX Facilities Needs Assessment 2020
4.0 Existing Skate and BMX Facility Review
To understand the current local and regional skate and BMX facility situation, in terms of
quantity and quality, a review of existing facilities in the Cessnock Local Government Area
and the Lower Hunter Region was undertaken. These findings, combined with the
participation rates outlined above, were used to calculate the ultimate skate and BMX facility
area required to meet the current and future needs of users of these facilities. It is estimated
that an additional 714 square metres of skate and BMX facilities is required in the
Cessnock Local Government Area in the short term to meet current demand.
4.1 Cessnock Existing Skate and BMX Facility Review
There are currently three (3) skate and BMX parks and one (1) freestyle BMX dirt facility in
the Cessnock Local Government Area covering an approximate area of 938 square metres
of concrete and 5,518 square metres of dirt at a total of approximately 6,456 square metres.
All three (3) skate and BMX parks:
� are local level facilities;
� primarily cater for beginner to intermediate users, with the freestyle BMX dirt facility
catering for advanced users;
� are traditional transition and street style facilities, with no innovation;
� are outdated in design;
� are at capacity;
� lack basic amenities and support facilities, such seating, shade and water
taps/bubbler; and
� have only slight variation in active elements available.
Please note: Turner Park ramp was acknowledged, but not considered in the assessment
due to its poor condition and no longer functions as a skate and BMX facility.
The following is an overview of the existing Cessnock City Council skate and BMX facilities
according to a review of relevant Cessnock City Council documents and site assessment.
For the detailed audit of the existing Cessnock City Council concrete skate and BMX parks
refer to Appendix A.
Carmichael Park, Hetton Street, Bellbird
The freestyle BMX dirt facility at Carmichael Park, Bellbird is designed for stunt riding, is not
intended to be a competition track, and is primarily used by local residents. Council
recognises the site is appropriately landscaped and that safety principles are taken into
account. Council re-shaped the track and elements in late 2009 and local users maintain the
integrity of the advanced dirt jumps, while Cessnock City Council continues to monitor the
appropriateness of use of the facility and undertakes regular risk assessments. The
beginner and intermediate sections of the facility require upgrading and ongoing regular
maintenance to maximise the potential use of the facility, provide the opportunity for young
and inexperienced riders to enhance their skills, and improve the level of safety.
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