Following the success of Bato Yard, and in addition to many more safe places to skate, the Central Coast could soon have another, in memory of a young Coastie who lost his life while skateboarding.
2 years after 10-year-old Banjo Pilon was tragically killed after being hit by a car while riding his skateboard in Prince Street Wamberal (in August 2015), and after much debate and discussion a decision may have been made for the best place to build Banjo’s Skate Park.
Some of the potential sites looked at included Wairakei Road Park, Lett Park, Wamberal Hall, and the Haven, on Duffys Road.
But one area that checked all the boxes is Terrigal Lagoon Reserve – chosen as the current preferred site by Central Coast Council.
The spot was suggested at a recent Council meeting as a possible location given its proximity to both Wamberal and Terrigal, near the main road for exposure, with minimal impact on residential homes.
The location overlooks the lake and has the potential to be an attraction for both locals and tourists as they enter Terrigal.
Council is considering this as the most likely location because it simply ticks the required boxes for such a skate park:
- Most kids live close enough to walk, skate or ride there
- It’s easily accessible by public transport- it’s on a bus route
- There are pedestrian lights on all sides, and there is plenty of parking within walking distance to the park
- It’s an open area that is easy to patrol, and well-lit at night
Plus the new spot is handy for kids from Terrigal high, and far enough away to not encroach on the skate park at Bateau Bay.
It is however the spot where Terrigal/Wamberal Lions Club hold their car boot sale each month, and some discussion surrounds possible relocation of the monthly event or alternatives for the potential drop in fundraising income for the community based club.
While nothing is yet confirmed, if Banjo’s Skatepark was built here it would only take up a small section at one end. However what is certain is the same team that delivered Bato Yard will be on board, with Federal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks and the Turnbull government confirming the $500,000 federal funding in the recent Budget.
According to the Banjo’s Skatepark Facebook page (click through):
A few more assessments to finalise the location but things are already underway on the design. Check out these amazing concepts from our designer Clayton Farmer. All going well we’ll see skaters enjoying themselves this time next year.
Bato Yard on The Entrance Road Bateau Bay opened in 2016 and offers the deepest bowl in Australia, plus facilities for all skill levels.
There are a number of other skate parks across the Coast, designed with board riders in mind, but also open to skaters, rollerbladers, BMX and scooter riders – Motorbikes are not permitted.
- COPACABANA beachfront
- Hylton Moore Park EAST GOSFORD
- KARIONG Oval
- Frost Reserve at KINCUMBER
- MacKillop Oval SOUTH KINCUMBER
- LAKE HAVEN Skatepark
- LAKE MUNMORAH Tennis/Netball/Skate Park
- Bloodtree Oval MANGROVE MOUNTAIN
- Paddy Clifton Oval NARARA
- SAN REMO Extreme Sports Park
- UMINA BEACH Recreation Area
- WADALBA Skate Park
See the full list of local skate parks within Gosford City here
Note: The skate parks are unsupervised and are available for use only during daylight hours.
