Adding colour to the art of skate

Murwillumbah’s new Knox Park skate facility is now open and attracting skaters of all ages and experience levels to the area.

Local skate shop owner and graffiti artist Tony Lawrence has been engaged by Council to undertake an urban art project on the park and said he had seen it gain huge popularity in a short length of time.

“Our skate park has a great vibe and is attracting a variety of community members, from young families to professional skateboarders,” Mr Lawrence said.

Photo:  Pharside Skate Shop owner and graffiti artist Tony Lawrence with Urban artwork plans for Murwillumbah’s new Knox Park skate facility, and local skater Michael Mitchell getting some air.

Knox Park facility attracts keen skaters of all ages

“The modern facility caters for all levels of ability and will be sure to produce some new local talent.”

Council’s Landscape Architect, Ian Bentley, helped designed the Youth Precinct and said Mr Lawrence would create a total of three different artworks that would give the half-pipes and bowls a local touch.   “The works are to go on the exposed retaining walls throughout the skate park, and the main one will capture some of the Tweed’s local natural assets,” Mr Bentley said.

“If all goes to plan, Tony will be able to start work in late February.”

Mayor of Tweed Councillor Katie Milne said: “Skaters say this skate park is ‘sick’. Council takes the job of bringing more fun to town very seriously so we’re stoked with the ‘sick’ endorsement.”

“The graffiti art project will be awesome too – it’s going to really liven up the place and show off scenes of our natural assets in a new, cool and very vibrant light.”

The skate park is part of the first stage of a $1.2 million upgrade to Knox Park, funded by a $250,000 donation from the Lions Club of Murwillumbah, a $500,000 Regional Development Australia grant from the Federal Government and $500,000 from Council.

Stage 1 also includes an adventure playground, new shelters, barbecue facilities and pathways, which was completed and opened late last year.  Council is planning an official opening of the Youth Precinct later this year.

For more information visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/knoxparkupgrade

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See also: Katch Periscope video Knox Park Skate Park, January 2016.