Skateboarders among diverse sport enthusiasts to benefit from opening of Georges River Olds Park precinct 

Georges River Council, located in Sydney’s south, officially opened the $4.2 million Olds Park Recreational and Sporting Hardscape precinct on 17th February - marking  a new era for local skateboarders and netball players while the inclusive space also caters to diverse sports enthusiasts and sets a benchmark for community recreational spaces.

Local skateboarders and netball players had long outgrown the previous facilities dating back to the late 1970s.

The journey to this day was fuelled by the persistent petitions of local skateboarders, whose dreams of a modern facility finally materialised in the form of a state-of-the-art skatepark.

Georges River Council Mayor Sam Elmir said that this new recreational precinct was a fantastic addition to the Georges River area and congratulated locals Riley Allison and Jaeden Mansour who petitioned with over 240 signatures to ask Council to create this skate park.  

The new precinct is not just a replacement but a significant upgrade that includes a street-style skate park, shaded seating areas, and bike and skateboard repair stations. The inclusion of three netball courts featuring senior and junior goalposts and two netball/basketball multi courts signifies a broader vision of the Council to cater to a diverse array of sports enthusiasts.

Such events underscore the importance of having dedicated spaces for youth to pursue their passions safely and competitively. They not only foster a sense of community but also contribute to the physical and mental well-being of participants.

The official opening of the precinct also featured a mini-skate competition run by Sydney-based skate school, Skateology which attracted local and Sydney-wide participants.

The new state of the art precinct brings the 2020 Master Plan for the site to life, which focused on providing sporting facilities suitable for people of all fitness levels including women/girls and people with disabilities. It also meets best practice and ongoing community demand.

Council has developed strong sporting facility protocols that ensures Council continues to develop facilities that empower community members to be able to participate in all aspects of life, including sport, freely and safely, developing positive social and health outcomes.

This project was funded by the NSW Government Office of Sport in association with Georges River Council under the Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund.      

Image top: The Olds Park Recreational and Sporting Hardscape precinct AKA Olds Skate Park; Image below: Mayor Sam Elmir with Riley Allison and Jaeden Mansour at Olds Skatepark Credit Georges River Council