The park has been designed in partnership with local skaters, BMX and scooter riders and has already had the thumbs-up from two of the region’s best skaters – Olympic team contenders Jedd McKenzie and Poppy Starr Olsen. It features bowls from 1.2 metres to three metres to suit beginner and advanced skaters, BMX and scooter riders.

Sunday’s opening will be held from noon to 4pm on the corner of the Pacific Highway and Frederick Street. The family-friendly event will feature demonstrations, workshops, a best trick contest, giveaways, live music by an on-site DJ and more.

A SPECIAL smoking ceremony was held on Friday last week to mark the preservation of a culturally significant Aboriginal scar tree discovered on the site of the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange (LMTI) at Glendale.

The tree that has been preserved is one of two that were discovered on the LMTI construction site in 2015. It had been damaged – possibly by a lightning strike –  but was salvaged and relocated near the Hunter Sports Centre, where it now stands in a protective enclosure designed in collaboration with the local Aboriginal community.

The preservation of the tree is a wonderful example of how council is meeting the challenge of preserving the city’s heritage and culture.

Mayor Kay Fraser