How to make the most of your skate park

Skate parks are a great way to connect with young people, link them to the wider community and encourage physical and social activity, according to YMCA Skate Services Manager Nick Buskens.
Buskens highlights "there are more than 1,500 skate parks around Australia and in most cases these facilities have been built and left for open, unstructured casual use.
"Respected research has recognised that the use of skate facilities has helped the social and recreational development of young people who use them.
"However, the lack of planning and management for skate parks has also created alot of the underlying social issuesthat have led tonegative misconceptions about the facilities and the people who use them.
"These misconceptions have also lead to the marginalisation of skaters and, in some cases, deterredt he general public from attending and using the skate parks.
"Skate facilities are not 'play equipment', they are legitimate recreational community infrastructure. Like other public assets, these facilities should provide opportunities for the entire community to participate and notjust a small marginalised demographic.
"BMX and skateboarding are recognised by the Australian Sports Commission as legitimate sporting pursuits and are a great and cost-effective way to keep people active and link people back into the wider community.
"To address issues that may arise at skate facilities, local governments need to develop skate and BMX strategies that incorporate operational patron management and engagement plans. These plans need to:
ï¾ Incorporate organised events and programs that promote a positive identity for the skate facility
ï¾ Have a clear structure outlining who - r what department - is responsible for the asset and patron management
"It does not require a lot of money to make the most of your skate park - all it takes is a bit of planning and a few good ideas.
"A great example of successful cost-effective program is the Victorian Skate and BMX Leagues - VSBL. The VSBL is a series of 24 skate and BMX competitions run throughout Melbourne's metropolitan regions. These events are deemed successful because the costs are low and provision of programs and patronage is high.
"It costs local governments between $1,700 and $3,000 per event and this provides consistent opportunities - 24 events - for young skate park users to come together and celebrate their skill and talent in a supervised and positive environment.
"Itï¾s important to note that these programs might not necessarily be aimed at existing user groups, but act as an introduction to the skate facility andhow to use it safely.
"Programs such as school group clinics, beginner lessons or 'come and try' days make these facilities accessible to non-traditional user groups and help address perceptions of the facilities as valued community assets.
"Like with all government-owned recreation facilities, councils need to be accountable when building or managing these assetsby helping user groups, communities and clubs increating safe and welcoming environments for the entire community."
Anyone interested in finding out more about skate facility related programs or strategies for skate parks can contact manager Nick Buskens on 03 9663 0495.
nick.buskens@ymca.org.au
http://www.skatepark.ymca.org.au