Perth Voice Interactive

MT HAWTHORN’S new Skate Space has opened, with a focus on beginner skaters.

The 350-square metre space is located at Britannia Reserve, next to the basketball ring and the Litis Stadium upper carpark. 

North Perth-based Skate Sculpture used community ideas to design and construct the space, with entry-level elements ideal for building skills but still as fun as possible.

It features quarter pipes, banks, rails, ledges, tabletop and a mini ramp, perfect for practicing ollies, kickflips and grinds. 

All elements are less than a metre high, making them safe for young kids either learning how to skate or fine tuning their skills. 

Transition

The space also includes some design elements that will keep more experienced and technical skaters interested.

Young skaters tested out the street and transition elements at a free opening event last week.

The space has picnic tables and shade so mums and dads can sit and watch or grab the kids for a picnic break.

More than half of the funding came from the Department of Communities as part of an election commitment from Perth Labor MLA John Carey.

Vincent mayor Alison Xamon said the community had been calling for a small skate space for younger skaters for several years.

“We are very proud to bring this dream to life through this new facility,” Ms Xamon said.

“With a range of street and transition elements, it is the perfect training ground for children to learn how to skate and master their skills.

“Properties in the inner-city area often have less yard space, so it is important for us to invest in quality active spaces for those residents to access and with Australia’s recent phenomenal skateboarding success at the Paris Olympics, I know there is an increasing interest in taking up the sport.”

Mr Carey said the $200,000 election commitment came in response to the huge number of young families in Vincent.

“Designed in consultation with local families and members of the skating community, the Mt Hawthorn Skate Space will be perfect for kids, young people and inexperienced skaters,” Mr Carey said.

“The skate space has been designed for entry level skaters to develop and hone their skills and provides an alternative to the Leederville Skate Park which is generally used by young adults.”