Community Asked to Vote On Three New Skate Parks For Lake Macquarie

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Lake Macquarie City Council is calling on the community to choose their favourite design for three new skate parks in Windale, Morisset and Croudace Bay.

Six street-style skate park designs have been created, two options for each location, by Enlocus Landscape Architects.

Following the first phase of community consultation in 2018, residents are now being asked to vote on which design they like best.

Council’s Manager Asset Management, Brendan Callander, said the designs include features that will appeal to both skateboarders and BMX riders.

“We received a lot of input from that community suggesting they wanted a street-style design over a traditional skate bowl,” Mr Callander said.

“Council will invest more than $2 million into the three locations and the designs feature dynamic skating elements like, steep flat banks, wallrides and down rails, I’m confident that each of the skate parks will have something for everyone.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser says it's import there's a collaborative approach to the design.

“We have a very passionate and avid skating community in Lake Macquarie, so it was important that we create something for the community by the community,” said Cr Fraser.

"I’m excited to see how people vote.”

At Croudace Bay, the skate park is envisioned as part of a revamp for Thomas H Halton Park.

Morisset’s project would adjoin a new playground and outdoor fitness area in Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park. 

In Windale, the Bahloo Reserve project is expected to double the size of the former skate park near the suburb’s PCYC. 

The consultation period will be open until Wednesday 10 June, with skate fans as well as local residents able to log in and view the options before completing a short survey where they can pick their preferred design.

The survey can be completed and designs viewed online at: https://shape.lakemac.com.au/skate-lake-mac.

Design Option for Bahloo Reserve, Windale

Design Option for Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park, Morisset

Design Option for Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay

Man Bashed And Robbed At Elermore Vale

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are searching for TWO people who bashed and robbed a man at Elermore Vale last night.

Police say the 29-year-old victim was speaking with two men outside the shopping centre on Croudace Road at about 10.20pm on Tuesday when he was threatened fled.

The men chased him to Grandview Parade where they punched and kicked him and stole his mobile phone.

He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.

Man to Face Court After Elermore Vale Robbery

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A man is expected to face Newcastle Local Court today following an aggravated robbery in Elermore Vale.

At around 3:30 Tuesday morning, a woman left her house on Croudace Road, where she was allegedly approached by the 35 year old offender.

The man allegedly threatened the woman, demanding the keys to her car before hitting her over the face with a small metal object.

The woman is believed to have handed over the keys, with the man allegedly fleeing the scene.

Police officers from Newcastle City Local Area Command investigated the incident and located the car.

Inquiries lead officers to Michael Street, Jesmond, where the man was arrested just before midday yesterday.

He was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with aggravated robbery.

He was refused bail.

Police Investigate Suspcious Car Fire At Elermore Vale

BY IAN CROUCH

 Investigations continue into a suspicious car fire at Elermore Vale.

Firefighters arrived at the shopping centre on Croudace Road at about 3 this morning to find the vehicle up in flames in the rear loading dock.

Police say the car didn't have number plates and they'll be checking to see if there's any CCTV footage of the incident.

In the meantime, they're appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.