Legend - Cessnock City Council

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Cessnock Skate and BMX Facilities Needs Assessment 2020 There is a safety and legal issue with skate, scoot and BMX riders participating in undesignated public areas, such as the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre and main streets, due to lack of adequate skate and BMX facilities, particularly outside Cessnock and Kurri Kurri. Small towns/villages without a skate and BMX facility are disadvantaged due to lack of public transport. In the short to medium term there are limited funds to develop new skate and BMX facilities, however there is the opportunity to develop small scale skate/BMX facilities, for example a pathway with active elements. These pathways could also double as entry pathway to skate and BMX facilities, which was identified as a need from users and community. To address the safety issue for young people from Branxton accessing Greta, Cessnock City Council has completed a design for the construction of a cycleway between the two suburbs, but is subject to joint future funding in partnership with the Roads and Traffic Authority. There was a preference from stakeholders and users for high quality, larger skate and BMX facilities which cater for all age groups, skill levels and styles rather than a high quantity of low quality facilities. Stakeholders, users, young people and community members indicated that to meet the different user groups needs and to avoid conflict a separate section for BMX and scooter riders should be included in upgrades to existing and construction of future skate and BMX facilities. In addition, all existing and future skate and BMX facilities should include basic amenities and support facilities. Installation of lighting to encourage positive nighttime use was also indicated. Users and young people identified that maintaining and improving existing skate and BMX facilities is a priority. There was even the idea expressed that existing concrete skate and BMX facilities should be demolished and redeveloped. Furthermore, users voiced that there needs to be a greater variety of active elements across skate and BMX facilities throughout the Cessnock Local Government Area. Users, young people and community members suggested that professional skate and BMX design and construction companies should be responsible for future development with involvement from the community. Future skate and BMX facility location considerations identified include: � co-locate with pool or sports complex; � access to food and refreshments; � located in a more central location where there is existing community activity; and � sited in a highly visible location. Future potential locations identified include: � Branxton-Huntlee is proposed as a major growth area over the next 25 years; Miller Park could be a potential location, received stakeholder support, and high level support from young people and the broader community. � North Rothbury – community support and large scale development awaiting approval. � Peace Park, Weston – integrate skate and BMX elements with existing facilities. Page 26
Cessnock Skate and BMX Facilities Needs Assessment 2020 � Jefferies Park, Abermain – potential location for a local Skate Dot/Spot; received stakeholder support, and high level support from young people and the broader community. � Cantwell St, Heddon Greta is a possible site to relocate the Kurri Kurri Skate Park in the medium to long term. � Poppet Head Park, Kitchener has amenities and is a designated growth area. Maintenance and management ideas include: � youth outreach workers to attend skate parks on a regular basis; � signage outlining the rules; � emergency access; � regular, ongoing maintenance and repairs; and � organised events and activities to add value and make skate and BMX facilities more inclusive and attractive to the broader community. 5.3 Cessnock Skate Park Cessnock was identified as the skate park in most need of improvements. Stakeholder and community engagement indicated that there are several maintenance and safety issues associated with this facility. The skate park is too small for the size of the town, is overcrowded, and lacks user amenity and a variety of active elements. Council officers note that topography makes it difficult to maintain and limits scope for expansion, and users indicate that the relative isolation of the site makes it prone to vandalism and anti-social behaviour. This was strongly supported by broader community comments. Identified opportunities and advantages include: � area to expand Skate Park primarily linearly and to a lesser extent width ways; � friendly Skate Park with a great atmosphere; � close to town centre and public transport; and � has its own identity. There was strong support to expand the skate park; however there were concerns from nearby residents regarding potential expansion. An alternative was to relocate the skate park to the south eastern section of the East End Oval site. Although this location will be further away from residents, it would entail the removal of around 2,000m 2 of vegetation. Ideas for skate park improvements include: � cater for all skill levels, with a specific section for beginners; � expand ramp platforms; � erect a combination of street, ramp and transition elements; and � install basic amenities and support facilities. Other specific issues and site constraints include: � lack of footpath access; � platforms on the quarter pipes too small, not enough room to stand; � drop off at the back of the roll in; � lack of car parking; and � metal at the bottom of the ramps is not flush, cracked surface, and gaps in joins. Page 27
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Legend - Cessnock City Council

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