A dynamic group of 31 creative young people from Golden Plains have worked wonders on the Meredith and Inverleigh Skate Parks, as part of Golden Plains Shire Council’s Anti-Graffiti project.
Funding from the Department of Justice was put to great use, with local street artist Stuart Walsh working with Council to lead, inspire and draw on the creative talents of local young people.
The transformations involved 11 young people for the Meredith Skate Park and 20 for Inverleigh Skate Park, with participants working with the artist to design and paint the new facilities.
Each Park reflects aspects of the area’s natural landscape, as the young residents involved in the project wanted to create a space that is unique to their town and special to them. Among many eye-catching features, a platypus has been worked into the Inverleigh Skate Park design and a kangaroo at Meredith. The result is two colourful, nature-inspired Skate Parks that show the talent, creativity and local passion of Golden Plains’ youth.
The involvement of young people helps prevent graffiti at the sites, however the Skate Park transformations delivered more than this. Young people had the opportunity to connect with each other and make a difference in the community.
They also allowed young residents to create a space they can feel proud of—a place they want to go to because it means something to them, a place they don’t want to vandalise because they helped create it.
Parents of the participants said they were delighted with the project, particularly with how it encouraged their children to do something meaningful for the community.
The two Skate Park makeovers were completed during the January school holidays.
For more information, please contact Council's Youth team on 5220 7111.
Pictured: Revitalised Meredith Skate Park