Skatepark
This plaque is located at the Skatepark, McKenzie St.
Cobden’s original BMX track was located on the corner of McKenzie and Station Street. When it was demolished and relocated to the Cobden Racecourse Reserve, the land appealed as an ideal location to create a skatepark for the young skaters of Cobden and district.
The development of the Cobden Skatepark was a long-term project.
In 1998, Nigel Petrie, a student at Cobden Technical School, was the instigator of a petition to gain support to construct a skatepark in Cobden. He gained many signatures of support from local youth and adults.
Nigel, a great BMX competitor, felt there were insufficient venues available for self-motivated sports such as skating and roller- blading. He applied several times to the Department of Sport and Recreation Victoria for grants to construct a skatepark.
One of numerous working bees
When Nigel moved to Geelong to take up an apprenticeship with the Ford Motor Company, his parents Heather and Dallas took up the challenge.
As enthusiastic members of the old BMX Club, they formed a skatepark committee made up of other keen young members from the Cobden Technical School. With the assistance of the Corangamite Shire, their councillors and local organisations, the park finally became a reality.
As well as a huge contribution from the shire, fundraising activities were held and donations were received from local organisations.
In 2004, the hard work carried out by committee members, local contractors and the shire, the town was rewarded with the Cobden Skatepark being finalised.
In 2005, the skatepark was extended to allow a greater variety of riding styles.
This park is now used extensively by locals and visitors. Its establishment can be attributed to the initiative and perseverance of a group of committed people.
In 2022, The facility was upgraded to feature additional elements and a 6 x 3 metre shelter, thanks to the involvement of another Cobden Technical School student, Corey Smith.
The skatepark extension features the spine ramp with quarter-pipes of various heights, the ledge/grind box and rail. This upgrade was planned well before we were all inspired by exponents of various disciplines in the competitions at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
