Lily Plass
20 July 2024, 9:25 PM
The Coonabarabran Peter Chrystal Rotary Skate Park reopened on Monday 15 July, after a vandalism incident shut the park down temporarily.
"The damage which included graffiti and irreparable harm to the park's shade sail, occurred earlier this week, was extremely disheartening for our community," Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Ambrose Doolan said.
"However, through cleanup efforts by dedicated council staff, the damaged sail has been safely removed, and the skate park has undergone extensive maintenance to ensure it meets safety."
"As a result, the park has reopened just in time for the school holiday period, much to the relief of residents and skate enthusiasts."
Community members are disappointed that the skate park was vandalized again.
"It's regretful that something like that could happen," Jo Wilkins, a representative of the Coonabarabran Rotary Club said.
Members of the Coonabarabran Rotary Club have assisted in removing graffiti from the skatepark in the past and played an instrumental role in getting a mural painted on the back wall of the main ramp.
"Council of course has continued its maintenance over the years and has extended the whole unit by providing the coverage and sails that have now been damaged," Ms Wilkins said.
"We would hope that more respect is shown to a community project that's been created for the health and enjoyment of young people in the community."
"Hopefully, once it's repaired everybody works together to encourage the growth of respect, so that activity can continue in the future," Ms Wilkins said.
The mayor encouraged residents to report incidents of vandalism to the police.
"We urge residents to report any information related to the vandalism incident to the authorities. It's essential that we all work together to protect and maintain our public facilities," Cr Doolan said.