Construction for long-waited Dalyellup skatepark underway in “exciting” redevelopment for Shire of Capel

Construction for the long-awaited Dalyellup skatepark is finally underway as part of the Shire of Capel’s bid to bring more family orientated facilities to the locality. The Shire announced during the February ordinary council meeting that construction was starting on the skatepark, with president Doug Kitchen calling it a “really exciting” project for the residents. The 1125sqm facility will include a hybrid “plaza-style” skate area, with a California “flow” bowl design, and an elongated “snake run” style bowl, barbecue area, carpark and shade. The new skatepark, located at the Dalyellup Town Centre, has been in part of the Shire’s long term vision redeveloping Dalyellup as a more “family conscious” locality. According to the Shire of Capel, recent census data for the locality of Dalyellup represents the youngest demographic in the shire, and is growing to become the suburb of choice for young families in the region. It comes following the council’s decision last year to accept Convic Pty Ltd as the preferred tender for the park, with the proposed construction cost of more than $1.6 million. The council secured more than $700,000 in funding for the project through a $200,000 Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund grant last year and a $522,200 Lotterywest grant in December 2019. Shire President Doug Kitchen said he was excited to complete the development of a facility that would bring together multi-aged residents into the Dalyellup town centre. “The skatepark will form part of a larger ‘community hub’ once the proposed Dalyellup Multi-purpose Community Youth Centre, pump track and nature play space are brought to fruition,” he said. “The broader outdoor recreation precinct will include space for mountain bike riders, BMX riders, skaters and scooter riders.” “There will be opportunities as well for other passive users to hang out and express themselves as well.” The skatepark comes following the recent debate over the notorious “noisy” Dalyellup basketball ring which carried resident concerns of breeding “anti-social” behaviour. However, President Doug Kitchen said the Shire was developing strict protocols to maintain a safe and happy community. “The Shire of Capel understands that the space will not just ‘manage itself’ and we are developing robust management plans to make this happen,” he said. “Incorporated into the (skatepark’s) design included targets of safety, comfort and well-being of users as well as developing a successful and valued community asset.” The skatepark is expected to be completed mid-year, followed by an official opening by the Shire.