The skate park, which the Laura community has lobbied for for a number of years, will be located in the North Parklands, creating an activity ‘hub’ for the community, adding to the barbeque and playgroup facilities already available.

The Northern Areas Council will enter a two-month consultation phase with the youth of Laura, before obtaining quotes and

starting work on the facility during winter.

Council aims to increase the youth activities available in the town, and allow the youths to develop skills, increase exercise and connect the other kids in the community, according to Council Chairman, Allan Woolford.

The skate park will also be used for organised group activities and holiday programs, involving communities from the region including Wirrabara, Stone Hut and Gladstone.

Laura resident Zoe Davenport, 17, says that the skate park will be a positive attraction in the community.

“My brothers already have jumps set up outside of our house, so they will love the opportunity to come to the skate park,” she said.

“Lots of people around here already ride push bikes around, so they would come and do tricks.

“I’d go to the skate park, but I don’t think I’d do tricks or anything!” she said.

Council hopes that the skate park will be accessible to the community by March 2011.

The two grants, totalling $34, 500, were granted by the Office for Recreation and Sport, and Community Benefit SA.

The Northern Areas Council and the Laura Development and Tourism Association will make

in-kind contributions towards the project.