In 2012, the City of Mandurah recognized the rising popularity of wheeled sports and the need to accommodate the growing young population in Dawesville with new facilities. In a show of remarkable determination, the youth of Dawesville had collected signatures and presented them to the council, advocating passionately for the construction of the skate park. 

This led to the creation of the City of Mandurah Skate and BMX Strategy 2012-2022. The strategy recommended the development of new 'Medium' Level Skate Park Facilities in Dawesville.

On the 4th of September 2015, the City of Mandurah released a comprehensive feasibility study into the development of skate parks in the Mandurah region, with a particular focus on Dawesville and Lakelands. This study was a beacon of hope for the local youth who eagerly anticipated new recreational facilities.

Engagement of Enlocus for Feasibility Study

In April 2014, the City of Mandurah engaged Enlocus to conduct a feasibility study based on the key recommendations of the strategy. The study focused on identifying suitable sites in Dawesville for future facilities, developing preliminary design concepts, estimating probable costs, and creating a development plan for implementation.

A Vision for the Future

The feasibility study outlined an ambitious plan to create a state-of-the-art skate park that would cater to the burgeoning young population in the area. The completion date for the Dawesville Skate Park was set for 2021, promising a vibrant space for the community's youth to engage in wheeled sports.

Connecting the Community

The Dawesville Skate Park was envisioned as a flow style street course featuring an open bowl section, banks, rails, and a kicker to kicker. It aimed to link the East Dawesville Community to the Ocean Rd Primary School. Supporting amenities included custom shelters and coastal planting, enhancing the overall experience for users.

Main Features of the Proposed Facility

The proposed Dawesville Skate Park Facility was designed as a Medium Level District facility with several exciting features:

• Pathway connection linking two existing primary schools
• Flow style course
• Open bowl section
• Banks, rails, and a kicker to kicker
• Shade structures and lighting

Estimated Costs and Development Timeline

In 2015, the estimated cost of constructing the Dawesville Skate & BMX Facility was $642,659 (excluding GST). It was prioritized for development with contract documentation and construction scheduled for completion in 2020/2021. The cost estimates included adjustments for inflation, anticipating a 5% annual increase from 2015 onwards.

• Facility Construction Total [2015]: $642,659
• Facility Construction Total [2016]: $674,792
• Facility Construction Total [2017]: $706,925

Additionally, the project required 10-15% of the construction value for design consultancy fees, covering concept development, community engagement, construction documentation, and engineering certification. Funding options included Lotterywest for the 2019/2020 financial year.

Addressing Community Needs

The development of the Dawesville Skatepark was to address the predicted growth in the young population of South Mandurah. It offered a unique skate terrain, different from other facilities in Mandurah. This project played a crucial role in supporting active lifestyles and fostering community connections among the youth.

The Unmet Expectations

Despite the initial excitement and the clear plans laid out in the feasibility study, no skate park has been built in Dawesville. The planned 2021 completion date came and went without any explanation from the city council, leaving the community in a state of disappointment and confusion.

Generational Impact

The absence of the skate park has not only affected the initial group of hopeful youths but also their children, who now find themselves in the same position. The promise of a dedicated space for wheeled sports remains unfulfilled, and the question lingers: will the children of Dawesville ever get to use the skate park their parents once campaigned for?

Looking Forward

The community remains hopeful and continues to push for the realization of the skate park project. Local pride and involvement are at the heart of Dawesville's spirit, and the residents remain committed to seeing this dream come true. The Dawesville community calls upon local leaders to revisit the plans and fulfill the promise made nearly a decade ago.

In closing, the story of the Dawesville Skate Park is a poignant reminder of the power of community engagement and the impact of unmet promises. As the young campaigners of yesterday become the parents of today, the call for action grows stronger, urging the City of Mandurah to bring the much-anticipated skate park to life for future generations.