Skate park, new play areas and court part of $4.4m final concept for Denmark’s Berridge Park youth precinct

Shire of Denmark councillors will vote on whether to endorse the final concept plan to transform Berridge Park into a vibrant youth precinct next week.

An officer’s report prepared for the council indicates the full cost of implementing the plan is an estimated $4.4 million and it has been recommended the council authorise the chief executive to explore and apply for potential funding opportunities.

The final concept attached to the meeting agenda includes breaking up the development of the precinct into five stages.

A central skate park would be developed in the first stage, followed by an inclusive play space to the skate park’s north-west in stage two, then barbecue and shelter areas in stage three, a multi-court area in stage four and a toilet block as the final stage.

The plan shows the precinct would primarily be developed near the existing carpark after the removal of structures which Shire officers have described as being “outdated” and having “signs of age”.

The northern area of Berridge Park, closer to the South Coast Highway bridge, remains largely untouched by the concept plan which is focused on an area described by shire officers as feeling “more like the back of a house”.

There were several opportunities for the community to help shape the plan last year including a survey, a drop-in session and design workshops.

Enhancing the park as a youth precinct was identified as a priority in the 2019 Denmark Sports Master Plan as well as in the shire’s vision for 2028 outlined in its 2033 Strategic Community Plan.

The council will vote on whether to adopt to final concept at its ordinary meeting on Tuesday.