Attention sk8ers

The new Queenstown Skate Park at the Queenstown Gardens will be ready to skate from this Saturday,” Queenstown Lakes District Council community services chairman Leigh Overton said.

The bowl section of the park is still being constructed but will be ready in under two months.

“This has been a real community initiative and has clearly been long awaited, particularly by our Queenstown skating community,” Mr Overton said.

The council contributed over $200,000 to the construction of the skatepark with the community contributing the remainder.

“In particular I think the council should acknowledged the driving force of local club Wakatipu Skateboarders Incorporated, in particular Craig Strong and more latterly the efforts of Councillor Cath Gilmour who assisted the club in attracting additional financial support to complete the bowl,” Mr Overton said.

The council also extended a vote of thanks to the following organisations and individuals for their support: Central Lakes Trust, The Community Trust of Southland, The Caversham Foundation, The Bill Torrance Charitable Trust, Nzone, Parklife at the Remarkables; Kiri Mains; Wakatipu Skateboarders Incorporated, www.queenstown.com, Dick Schulze and AJ Hackett Bungy.

An official opening party for the new park, which is being touted as New Zealand’s best skate park is being planned for September.