THERE was an impressive turnout for the official opening of the Merton Skate Park on Saturday, with Deputy Mayor James Tehan and local Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish relishing the opportunity to cut the ribbon on the newest piece of infrastructure at the Merton Recreation Reserve. The reserve was transformed into a pop-up celebration complete with local DJ Felix Smith playing the tunes, a sausage sizzle hosted by members of the Merton CFA, and give-aways donated by skate brand Yuki Threads along with a professional skateboard contributed by Mansfield skate boarding champion Hayley Wilson. Attendees took the opportunity to try out the new skate park, with numerous community members taking to the ramps before and after the official speeches. Organised in collaboration with the Mansfield Youth Committee and FReeZA, councillors Tim Berenyi and Bonnie Clarke joined CEO Kirsten Alexander and deputy mayor James Tehan to congratulate the community on driving such a worthwhile project. Funding from the state government's Regional Development Victoria, the Mansfield and District Community Bank and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal made the vision a reality, with contractors Sam Binzer from Tectonic Civil along with Taylor Engineering both thanked at the opening event for delivering such an impressive piece of infrastructure. "This project has been a true labour of love for our community, and the opening day celebrated the collective effort that has gone into creating a safe and vibrant space for local youth and families," said Merton Recreation & Memorial Hall Reserves Committee chair Margaret FitzGerald.
