01 Apr, 2016

Skate Park Opens Ready For School Holidays

Skaters young and old are invited to grind, kickflip and ollie, at the city’s new skate park which opens tomorrow at Ityamai-itpina (Park 15), just off Wakefield Road.

The new facility has been delivered by a partnership between City of Adelaide and the State Government and will be the city’s second skate facility, with the other located across the road from the new Bowden Development on Park Terrace.

As part of Youth Week during the school holidays, City of Adelaide is partnering with Ownlife to host Come Skate & Create, a free school holiday program, at the new skate facility being held from 10:00am – 3:00pm, Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 April.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese said he was delighted the new site is ready for use by the whole community just in time for the school holidays.

"A significant amount of work has gone on behind the scenes between Council and the State Government, and the skater community’s input has been integral to getting us to this point. We are all really pleased with the outcome,” he said.

"The space, constructed on what were basketball courts, incorporates three new half-courts basketball courts, a shelter and picnic space, and really adds an element of excitement and colour to Park 15/Ityamai-itpina. I’ve been down there and checked it out already, and it’s looking great. ”

Planning Minister John Rau said he hoped the new facility would be a hit with local skaters.

“A joint design team worked closely with them to design and set-up a venue that will be appreciated by those who will use it,” Mr Rau said.

“The interim skate park will guide the long-term permanent design and we now have a fine facility right on the edge of the CBD.”

Local skater, Claudio Ricco, said he is pleased the new site is ready to go.

"It’s a great addition to the city in a prime location and easy to find. A very well planned out park with a lot to skate and I’m very happy with the outcome,” said Claudio.

For more information on Come Skate & Create go to http://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/whats-on/event/skate-create-at-the-new-adelaide-city-pop-up-skate-park

Mural

As part of the development, City of Adelaide recently commissioned several artists to produce concept designs for a large-scale ground mural for the basketball court and seating areas. Keen to keep themes and concepts open to allow artists to interpret their vision for the space, talented artist Sam Songailo was chosen for the final commission.

Inspired by technology, Sam’s artwork often involves vivid, abstract patterns that encompass large spaces. Upon first glance, shapes in his artworks seem deceptively simple and random, but after visually delving a little deeper, your eye is playfully drawn and lead across an array of complex geometric configurations.