Terrey Hills Public School student Matthew Plunkett is flying high following Northern Beaches Council’s announcement of plans to build a $200,000 skatepark at Terrey Hills Oval – on Matthew’s suggestion.

Council General Manager Environment & Infrastructure Ben Taylor said the project, given the green light at Council’s August 8 meeting, is a great example of Council working with residents to meet the needs of the community.

“The skatepark proposal is a well thought-out and flexible solution for Terrey Hills Oval that can be implemented in the shorter term with minimal impact on the environment and existing users.

“Council is pleased to have been able to work with Matthew, his father, and the Terrey Hills Progress Association to make the Terrey Hills Oval skatepark a reality,” Mr Taylor said.

The skatepark will be built using a flexible system of prefabricated skate elements on a concrete slab that can be relocated or expanded depending on the outcomes of the proposed Terrey Hills Oval Landscape Plan, which remains a Council priority and is scheduled for 2019 to consider all uses of the site.

Matthew’s father Tony Plunkett commended Council’s decision to invest in the skatepark.

“Thank you for taking the words of an 11-year-old boy so seriously.

“It’s been a wonderful introduction for Matthew into how local government works.

“He has learned that enthusiasm, planning and good ideas will attract supporters which, when taken seriously by Council and their staff, leads to positive results,” Mr Plunkett said.

Council will undertake further consultation with local residents, users of Terrey Hills Oval and local businesses, as well as establish a design advisory group and engage an experienced skater to help guide the development of the skatepark.

Works will commence in January 2018 with plans for completion in March 2018 (weather permitting).

Funding for the project has been allocated under Council’s Youth Spaces Program, made possible by Council’s Merger Savings Fund.