Umina skate park design report released

Umina residents have been given a glimpse at what the Umina Skate Park could look like, with Central Coast Council publishing their latest report on the $8.25M project.

The report, entitled Umina Skate Park and Peninsula Recreation Precinct Redevelopment Phase Four Concept Design Report, was published on September 9.

It includes finalised concept designs of the skate park produced by consultants Trinity Skateparks.

According to the report, the final concept is reflective of the Peninsula's geographic features and incorporates feedback from Council's two rounds of community consultation responding to the first concept design.

The finalised concept includes plans for both the skate park and surrounding recreational zones with some key features outlined in the plans being: dedicated beginner, intermediate and advanced areas of the skate park and pumptrack; a proposed parkour-obstacle course; circular basketball courts; picnic shelters, youth hangout zones and spectator zones; colourful arbor structures; dedicated pedestrian pathways and a raised crossing to connect the shared path network to Ettalong; and street art mural walls.

"The redevelopment of the Umina Skate Park and Peninsula Recreation Precinct aims to deliver a showcase example of what's possible for Australian communities," the report states.

"Umina's new skate and pumptrack facility will be distinct and have a unique point of difference to the facilities that already exist with surrounding local government areas.

"The new facility will provide active outdoor recreation and social opportunities for the local youth while also providing an alternative experience for parents and visitors to the town of Umina.

"The facility will be site responsive and fit for purpose while also providing for a diversity of skill levels.

"The upgraded skatepark will aim to complement and enhance the existing functions of the Peninsula Recreation Precinct.

"Once the precinct is fully master planned and implementation commences, the proposed facility will improve accessibility, functionality and safety and provide a venue for regional and significant community skate events, offer numerous additional recreation functions, social opportunities and become an important gathering space for the youth of Umina.

"It will also have the potential to draw people from the surrounding communities.

"The project vision will ensure the final constructed outcome is responsive, respectful and generates a sense of place, while acknowledging the existing fabric and identity of the local community," the report states.

The Umina Community Group worked closely with Council during the community consultation periods of the project, according to group vice president Mr Mark Nitsos.

The finalised design was ticking all of the community's boxes, he said.

"It's a world class design that is going to bring Umina into the forefront of the Australian skating community.

"This design was informed by some of the best skaters and BMX riders in Australia and the amenities and recreational zones reflect residents' vision for the area," he said.

Mr Nitsos said that, since the plans were published, there was a real sense of anticipation and pride in the community.

"It's all anyone's talking about and I haven't heard one negative thing about the design so far.

"It's going to be a real gamechanger," he said.

Mr Nitsos said the lengthy design process also meant that residents could expect these plans to be an accurate representation of the project and not just some artist's interpretation.

"This is very much a case of what you see is what you get.

"The next phase of the project is to put out the construction tender which means any changes to the design from here will be structural or practical not aesthetic," Mr Nitsos said.

No official timeline is available, but it's hoped a tender will be secured early next year with work to begin on the project once the tender is finalised.

"We are so close to getting our brand new, world class park," Mr Nitsos said.

SOURCE:

Design report, 11 Sep 2019

Umina Skate Park, Central Coast Council

Interview (Dilon Luke), 11 Sep 2019

Mark Nitsos, Umina Community Group