Skaters across the Northern Beaches now have a new playground following the opening of the $400,000 skate park at Lionel Watts Reserve.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan said the skate park is part of Council’s commitment to provide a high quality sporting precinct for the community.

“I’m really excited about this project – it is a great example of how Council and community can work together to get a great outcome.

“We engaged young people from the outset to help co-design the new facility, we ran workshops to get their ideas and they helped tweak the final designs. “It was fantastic to have their input.

“With the all-inclusive playground to follow, Lionel Watts is fast becoming a sporting and social hub for this area.

“I would also like to thank the former Warringah Councillors who helped shape this project before amalgamation. Initially it was a masterplan to allow synthetic fields and expansion. To see what the precinct has grown into is very satisfying.”

The standout feature of the innovative flow style skate park is a ‘Taco’ in the north west corner which provides extra elevation for riders.

The skate park, which also boasts ramped edges and a raised central section, will be shared by BMX riders, scooter riders and skaters, with riders from beginner to advanced standards welcome to use the community facility.

Part of the Glen Street Open Space Landscape Masterplan, it follows the unveiling of new multi-use synthetic fields in July at the same venue. An all-inclusive children’s playground is also due for completion later this year.

The skate park is the ninth operating on the Northern Beaches, with skate facilities also at Manly Vale, Terrey Hills, North Manly, Frenchs Forest, Avalon, Mona Vale, Cromer and Forestville.