East Metro MLC Tim Clifford has renewed calls to transform Midland Oval into an open public space – complete with a skate park and youth-targeted amenities – after a local boy was hospitalised while accessing skate facilities in a nearby suburb.
As there are no skate facilities in Midland, young people have to travel to Stratton or Bassendean.
Earlier this year, 12-year-old Zach Garnett was hospitalised after he was hit by a car while trying to cross the busy Roe Highway on his way back from the skate park Stratton.
Zach Garnett, 12, and Justin Latham-Ayres, 13, with Tim Clifford MLC.
The Midland local broke his tibia and fibia, and fractured his pelvis in three places.
Mr Clifford, who has campaigned heavily for green spaces in Midland, said Midland Oval is the ideal location for a community precinct.
“The Midland Oval was left as a recreational reserve to the people of Midland over 100 years ago and has since been used as a sporting facility, community open space and velodrome. It makes sense to continue this use and create a public hub,” Mr Clifford said.
“Councils across the State have skate parks, many with far smaller youth populations that Midland. I am calling on the City of Swan to work with the community to find a suitable open space to create these amenities for our youth.”
“I urge the City of Swan to work with the community to design a precinct with green, open spaces and amenities that the wider community can use and enjoy.
“Residents don’t accept median strips, paving and car parks as acceptable definition of public open space. We must protect Midland Oval.”
Zach will address the City of Swan at tonight’s Agenda Forum in a bid to highlight the benefits that a designated skate park and open space would have for Midland locals and visitors.
“If we had a skate park, young kids wouldn’t have to cross a busy main road to use a skate park,” he said.
“There is more risk of kids getting injured crossing a busy road than on a skate park itself, and it would prevent people from damaging public property while trying to do tricks.
“We want the City of Swan to listen to the community and help us find somewhere to have a skate park and build a space for families to use.”
The City of Swan is set to table a report to defer the investigation into the viability of a skate park at the Forum.