Hopes for ‘Ninja’ features leading the way for Mt Barker youth precinct proposal

The Shire of Plantagenet is planning to turn the Mt Barker skate park and surrounds into a central youth precinct. The proposed youth precinct would stretch from the skate park to the Wilson Park nature play area. The Shire has released a public survey about community recreation facilities which has already attracted more than 85 responses. The responses to the survey so far indicate the features the community would like to see most are active fitness equipment and parkour or “ninja” equipment, closely followed by a skate trail through the park and a skate ramp extension. Shire strategic development executive manager Andrus Budrikis said it was clear many local governments were investing in substantial youth precinct developments and the Shire wanted to gauge the community’s expectations. “The Shire Recreation Advisory Committee has flagged the need to consult the Mt Barker community to determine what would be the best strategy to improve youth recreation facilities,” he said. “The committee recognises that a significant investment has been made into sporting grounds and other facilities over the years, but not into youth park-style facilities since the building of the skate park. “We are hoping to refine what are the elements that would be most desirable. “There seems to be significant support for parkour-style equipment.” The committee will recommend to the council that funds be set aside in next year’s annual budget to develop a concept plan. Mr Budrikis said the community consultation would be finished by then, so the Shire could move on with the next stage. “The response to the Shire erecting a basketball ring and building a half-court basketball court next to the existing skate park has been phenomenal,” he said. “There is clearly a demand for more youth activities. Youth precincts are healthy activity zones for the community.” The survey is available at plantagenet.wa.gov.au.