Local skaters drop-in to newly completed Murray skatepark

Townsville is cementing itself as the skateboarding capital of northern Australia with the recent $2.6 million upgrade of Townsville’s most popular skatepark in Annandale.

Divisional Councillor and Olympian, Cr Suzy Batkovic believes the new addition to the Murray skatepark has the potential to produce future Townsville athletes ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics while creating a space for community to enjoy.

The 3-time Olympian said the $2.6 million addition to the Murray skatepark had doubled the footprint thanks to funding from the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program.

“Murray skatepark is well renowned as one of the best skateparks in Townsville, so it is terrific to see works wrap up on the large upgrade,” Cr Batkovic said.

“Thanks to $2 million from the State Government’s Works for Queensland program, the park has been more than doubled from 1,100m2, to 2,300m2.

“With half an acre of skatepark there is even more room for our skating community to hone their skills and who knows, we might even see a Townsville skateboarder competing in the Brisbane 2032 games.

“We consulted with our local skate community and thanks to their feedback the new section of the park features both technical and flat street sections, alongside plenty of stairs, rails and a steel wall-ride section, to name a few.”

Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said Works for Queensland funding had helped deliver a great facility for Townsville.

“Queensland Government funding has helped deliver one of the best skate park facilities to be found in north Queensland. Whether we cultivate a future Olympian here, or simply provide a fun facility that provides opportunities for healthy physical activity for our community, it’s money that’s well spent,” Minister Leahy said.

“Skateboarding has really come of age thanks to the inclusion in the recent Olympics and we’ll hopefully see growth in the skating community through this fantastic upgraded facility.”

Councillor Batkovic said it was vital Council invested in infrastructure that engaged youth to get out and be active, putting Townsville on the skate map with two new parks in a matter of months.

“We’re so fortunate to have more than 300 days of sunshine a year, so infrastructure like skateparks are a welcome addition when it comes to investing in our community,” Cr Batkovic said.

“The new section of park was constructed to allow skaters to seamlessly transition between each section and has additional landscaping, irrigation, connecting pathways, and a central shelter with a drinking fountain.

“Due to weather and unforeseen conditions the project’s completion was pushed back a couple of months, but now the fencing is down we’re very much looking forward to seeing local skaters hitting the concrete and testing out the new park.”