Mosman’s only skate park is simply too radical, the local council argues, as they prepare to spend half a million dollars to make the park more accessible to younger and beginner skaters.
What happened: A council report claims that, since being constructed in 2005, the skate park isn’t getting enough use because it is too difficult for casual skaters.
What they said: At their August meeting, councillors chalked this up to the depth of the bowl.
“I do spend a lot of time at the skate park”, councillor Pip Friedrich said. “I can attest to the fact that it really is a tricky bowl”.
After some chuckles in the chamber, councillor Friedrich clarified this was from watching her grandchildren use the park, and that she does not regularly shred at Balmoral.
What will it look like: While no plans have been released as to what the renovated park will look like, Council’s Open Space Manager Steven Smith told the Lorikeet that Engadine skate park, which was redeveloped in 2024, sets a good example.
“It's nothing too high or hard, enough to have a good roll around for a beginner, up to someone who knows what they're doing”.
How much: Council has successfully landed a $250,000 grant from the NSW Department of Planning, and has committed to match that amount for the project.
The redevelopment will also include upgrades to the bushland walking track next to the park and the restoration of adjacent bushland through weed removal and native planting.
Balmoral skate park sits on the far side of Balmoral Oval, next to the cricket nets. The closest other park is North Sydney Skate Park, known to locals as “Ranch”.
Thumbnail: skateboard.com.au blog