Ashford Receives Funding Boost

21 June 2019

A MUCH anticipated skate park will be installed in Ashford next week, marking a six-month $500,000 spend on infrastructure in the Shire’s small communities over the last six months.

The skate park has been custom designed by former local Stacey Dennis who has been designing skate parks for over 20 years. Dennis’ design will accommodate bike riders, beginners and advanced skateboarders and is being installed at Walter McRae Park in Ashford.

Residents are invited to celebrate the new skate park at a free community event and barbecue on Saturday 27 July.

The skate facility is just one project in a trio of recent upgrades undertaken throughout the village thanks to Inverell Shire Council and funding received from the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Programme.

Council mayor, Paul Harmon says works in Ashford have also included major upgrades to Ashford Bowling Club to provide easy access for patrons with a mobility disability as well an access ramp for the Ashford Medical Centre.

“Council is delighted to be supporting the community to achieve local projects constructed by local tradespeople which enhance the lives of residents in our small communities.”

“The Skate Park has also been on the community’s radar for a long time and will provide a fantastic opportunity for the youth of Ashford to keep active, especially in the cooler months when the swimming pool is closed.”

Cr Harmon indicated the work at Ashford has been completed by local contractors, with the value of these projects, which is over $100,000, being returned to the local community.

“That’s really important – these projects are keeping our tradies busy during the drought and also providing flow-on benefits to businesses that sell the materials,” said Cr Harmon.

“Ashford is a small town, so projects such as these have a long-lasting and positive impact.”

The opening of the skate park will take place on site with an appearance from skateboard professionals, Ownlife, who will provide skateboard safety checks, demonstrations, tips and also help those new to skateboarding learn the basics.

Concept image of the Ashford Skate Park design, to be constructed in Walter McRae Park.

For further information contact:
Dana Vickers | Inverell Shire Council | PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360 | (02) 6728 8288 | Dana.Vickers@inverell.nsw.gov.au