Increased safety and security measures are set to ensure the new Walla Street skatepark remains a welcoming destination for residents of all ages to skate, scoot and ride.
The Queensland Police Service’s Bundaberg Patrol Group has received an increasing number of reports from the community about anti-social behaviour at the skate park.
Bundaberg Regional Council and Bundaberg Police have collaborated on a number of initiatives, including increased CCTV monitoring and added patrols, to encourage positive use of the family-friendly facility.
Unfortunately, as a result of continued vandalism in the area, Council has also had to turn off the lighting at the skate park facility earlier in the evening, now only operating until 7.30 pm.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the Council’s investment to upgrade the facility aimed to create an inclusive and welcoming space for sport and recreation.
“The Walla Street Skate Park has become a terrific facility for every member of our community to enjoy,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“The facility has been redesigned to cater to skateboards, skates, scooters and bikes as well as a range of experience levels.
“We’ve added more shade and shelters with seating to encourage families and residents of all ages to enjoy the skate park.
“We do ask that people treat each other, and the park’s community infrastructure, with respect to help make sure everyone can enjoy a safe, fun and inclusive visit to our wonderful skate park.”
Police increase skate park security
Bundaberg Police officers will be increasing patrols in the Walla Street Skate Park area and will be looking for more opportunities to engage with park users, including at today’s yourtown skate park event.
Bundaberg Police Sgt John Kendall has advised these increased Police patrols of skate parks within the Bundaberg Patrol group, in particular the Walla Street Skate park, will be ongoing into the foreseeable future to ensure these concerning behaviours are curbed.
Sgt Kendall advised there has been an increase in reported assaults and wilful damage offences occurring in recent months and he further advised that there will be a no tolerance approach to any anti-social behaviour occurring.
Sgt Kendall advised facilities such as skate parks and recreational facilities are put in place for the use of all community members to enjoy and no one should have to feel concerned to attend any of them as a result of another person’s behaviour.
“Attending these facilities is a privilege and not a right however, attending any of these facilities and feeling safe and secure is everyone’s right!”
To assist with the skate park security measures, anyone who sees anti-social behaviour is encouraged to report it to police via Police Link online or by calling 131 444.
Find out more about the Walla Street Skate Park redevelopment here.
Great news! Hopefully the grubs that ruin it for others will now also pick up their rubbish before leaving. Security cameras are very much needed there.