Skaters To Rally For 'eyesore'

Newcastle Herald

Saturday September 6, 2008

By VICTORIA JACK

IT will be more than just the skaters getting on boards today to support the South Newcastle Beach skate park.

Newcastle Skate manager Bobbie Antonic said the protest, featuring a skating demonstration and live music, would raise awareness of the park's positives.

It follows criticism from some local politicians who have called for it to be closed.

Ms Antonic said the event would give a voice to youth who have been forgotten by local politicians.

"The youth need these areas," she said.

"There are people from all around the Hunter that come here."

"Skaters are not the only ones using the park. There are BMX riders, scooters and rollerbladers as well."

She said it was unfair for politicians to criticise the site as an "eyesore" because the council failed to maintain it.

"Newcastle City Council has neglected it, with no maintenance done to it," she said.

"The blame game goes to the council, not the youth."

"It has deteriorated really, really badly, but if it was a playground area . . . that would be demolished and they would build a new one straight away."

The protest gets underway at noon today at South Newcastle Beach skate park.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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