Residents and visitors in the East Coast township of St Marys and the Fingal Valley will benefit from an infrastructure project that has deep roots within the local community and will meet the need for more recreational facilities in the town and the wider municipality.

What is transpiring is a facility called the St Marys Community Space, a ‘street park’ which includes skateboarding obstacles and ramps plus a bike and scooter track. Outdoor gym equipment, picnic areas, a basket swing and BBQ have been included into the design so families will be encouraged to spend time together outdoors.

Construction commenced in March 2020, with specialist contractors Andrew Gill Contracting awarded the work to bring the facility to life.

St Marys Community Space Association member Janet Drummond said the community is excited to see work close to completion after lots of community input into the design and plenty of fundraising.

‘The St Marys community has guided the project every step of the way, from the initial concept of a skatepark first raised at a council meeting in mid-2015, then through an in-depth consultation process which resulted in the expansion of the project to include features for all members of the community,’ Ms Drummond said.

‘St Marys Community Space will provide a much-needed youth-focused facility in the area as well as be a place for the community to play, exercise, and socialise together in a fun, safe, and positive environment.’

The construction of the street park and skate elements were in full swing through the winter of 2020 and some enhancements to the design were implemented to see construction completed by the end of the year.

The St Marys Community Space Association Inc is a grass-roots organisation established for the sole purpose of coordinating efforts towards building the St Marys Community Space project. The groups aim is supported by Break O’Day Council, local health professionals and allied health services, along with local community-based organisations and businesses.

The project is being developed on land owned by the Break O’Day Council and with support from many local businesses and individuals as well as the Tasmanian Community Fund.