Thrill-Seeking Families Flock to Revamped Rathmines Youth Hub Opening

26 October 2024

Wheels were in full spin today as Lake Macquarie’s largest skate park and a brand-new pump track opened at the Rathmines Youth Hub and Playground, drawing families and thrill-seekers from across the region. The free community launch event showcased demonstrations by Olympic skateboarder Poppy Starr Olsen and pro scooter riders from Parrey Skatepark, while younger riders tested their skills on the new facilities.

Mayor Adam Shultz was delighted with the turnout, calling the day an “incredible display of community spirit and enthusiasm” for the city’s latest multi-use recreation hub. The new 1,000 square metre skate park, now the city’s largest, offers a variety of features, from mini ramps and rails to a standout wave wall that’s already a hit with experienced riders. The adjoining 120-metre pump track, built by Velosolutions, offers multiple paths and varying heights, making it accessible for beginners yet challenging enough for advanced riders.

“This space is set to be a fantastic gathering place for people of all ages,” said Planning Minister Paul Scully. “The skate park, pump track, and surrounding facilities create a vibrant area for Lake Macquarie residents to stay active, while welcoming visitors to enjoy the lakeside setting.”

Built by Mat Brown Building and funded by the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play and Places to Play programs, the $2.9 million Youth Hub includes a basketball court, shaded areas, ample parking, and soon-to-be-installed bouldering walls. The design, inspired by the former RAAF base on-site, includes aeroplane-themed details, paying tribute to Rathmines’ rich local heritage.

The event also marked the unveiling of a newly upgraded playground, designed with younger children in mind. Featuring a netted climbing area, soft-fall surfaces, and a learn-to-ride zone, the $1.6 million playground upgrade provides a safe space for kids to develop their skills before tackling the larger pump track.

Today’s opening caps off years of planning, community consultation, and collaboration between Lake Macquarie Council and NSW Government grant programs. The Rathmines Youth Hub aligns with the Rathmines Master Plan, adopted in 2020, aiming to deliver recreational spaces that meet the needs of the growing community.

For more information on these NSW Government initiatives, visit the official websites for the Places to Play and Everyone Can Play programs.