November 15th, 2023MR Power Park hosts debut skating competition

Sebastopol’s new skate parkcame to life this month as it hosted its first ever official skating competition, expected to be followed by many more into the future.

Organised by the City of Ballarat Youth Services team, MR Power Park hosted the YMCA Action Sports Skate Park Leagues event as part of the Western Victoria series on Saturday 4 November.

The well attended event drew strong competition from skaters, roller skaters, BMX and scooter riders and followed on from the popularity of SPU-Fest in February; a skating competition and youth festival held at Len T Fraser Skate Park on Main Road.

The City of Ballarat Youth Strategy 2022-2026 outlines a plan to deliver events and festivals that contribute to positive health and wellbeing.

Mayor Cr Des Hudson (pictured above) said events like the skating competition showed the City of Ballarat was delivering on its goals.

“These events that are proving extremely popular for younger people are providing wholesome entertainment and also encouraging valuable physical activity,” he said.

“We encourage people to attend and see what is on offer and maybe even register to compete if they are up to it.

“If people haven’t had a chance to see the new MR Power Park facilities, it is a great opportunity to see them used to their potential.”

This month’s was the first official skating competition held at the Grant Street facility since the MR Power Park transformation project was completed in April 2023.

The $740,000 project was made possible by $440,000 in State Government funding and a $300,000 contribution from the City of Ballarat.

In addition to the skate park, MR Power Park now includes a new seniors’ exercise facility, a youth space, 3×3 basketball court, AFL goals and accessible paths to link them all.  

New public toilets and barbecue facilities at the site were funded by the City of Ballarat separately, adding to the overall improvements.