Most Braidwood residents either support skate elements in Ryrie Park, or do not want a skate park at all, according to the results of an informal poll conducted by the Braidwood Times.
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Open from November 28 to December 11, the poll received 609 votes in total. While not scientific, results provide some insight into community sentiment.
Forty-eight percent of voters supported skate elements in Ryrie Park, which received 293 votes.
‘No skate park’ received a surprisingly high level of support. Thirty-eight percent of those voting chose this option, which received 232 votes in total.
A skate park in Braidwood’s Recreation Grounds was the least popular option, receiving just 83 votes, a 14 percent support rate.
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The poll appeared in a story responding to council’s surprise decision to adopt the CBD concept plans, with the removal of proposed skate elements in Ryrie Park.
The concept plans originally depicted an intergenerational playspace in Ryrie Park north, which incorporated a play area for younger and older children.
Councillor Trudy Taylor put forward the motion that the skate elements be removed from the Ryrie Park concept plans, but included in future plans for the Recreation Grounds.
Nine out of 11 councillors voted in favour of Cr Taylor’s motion, with just Councillor Kenrick Winchester voting against. Councillor Peter Marshall abstained from the vote.
Supporters of the skate park complained they had received no warning that the issue would be on the agenda of the meeting. The skate park was originally planned for the Recreation Grounds, but supporters forfeited funding because of dissatisfaction with the location.
After a significant backlash on social media, council issued a statement saying that skate elements could still be included in Ryrie Park. Council issued the statement after staff workshopped the master plan with councillors.
The issue will be back on the table at Wednesday’s council meeting. Cr Marshall has put forward a motion that the council request the General Manager to investigate and consult with the Braidwood community about suitable locations for a skate park.
“I chose to put the issue back on the agenda… to give the community an opportunity to be heard, and to give councillors an opportunity to debate the issue when all councillors know it is going to be discussed,” Cr Marshall said.
“My motion is also a logical next step following the Resolution not to have the skate facility in Ryrie Park or the town centre.”
If passed as is, the motion will allow council to investigate options other than the Recreation Grounds, and potentially put Ryrie Park back on the list of sites, Cr Marshall said.