AFTER years of community advocacy, the skatepark at Moriarty Park in Canungra is set for an upgrade, with $100,000 earmarked in Scenic Rim Regional Council’s Draft Budget for the 2025–2026 financial year.
The facility, which local volunteer Rickie Glockler says was originally built by community members in the early 1990s, has long needed significant improvements.
“There’s no plan for it on record at council,” she said.
“It was never professionally built, and over time the wear and tear has made it unsafe for skating.”
Mrs Glockler, who has been involved in seeking funding since 2022, said attempts to secure a substantial grant have so far fallen short due to budget limitations, though the park committee has managed to raise $20,000.
A recent $50,000 repair project, she said, “fixed some dangerous parts but didn’t solve the core issues.”
Skatepark builders consulted by the committee recommended a full demolition and rebuild, estimated at a minimum of $200,000.
“A new skatepark, professionally designed and safely constructed, would give the kids a proper space to ride,” she said.
“Right now, it’s just not suitable. You can scooter on it, but even that’s risky.”
Division 3 Councillor Stephen Moriarty said the skatepark upgrade was a much-needed addition to Moriarty Park.
“I think it’s only reasonable for the community to have a decent skatepark for the kids to enjoy,” he said.
“There aren’t too many other facilities apart from what’s already at Moriarty Park, so I think having a good skatepark is a very reasonable request for the town.”
Cr Moriarty said he hopes that Council will inject an extra $80,000 into the already allocated $100,000 to bring the skatepark vision to life.
“I’ll be advocating for an extra $80,000 to lift the council’s contribution to $180,000,” he said.
“Together with Moriarty Park’s $20,000, that would give us the $200,000 needed to get the job done.”
As Canungra continues to grow, Mrs Glockler said it’s vital the town keeps pace with infrastructure for young families.
“Kids need somewhere safe to spend their time,” she said.
“Otherwise, boredom becomes mischief. I’ve seen it in small towns before.”
Toilets at the park remain a separate issue.
While a trial of keeping them open saw high use, plumbing problems led to their closure.
“As a mum, I’ve had to leave the park because there’s nowhere for the kids to go,” Mrs Glockler said.
She remains hopeful that with continued community support and further Council investment, Canungra could soon have a skatepark to be proud of.
