To:
The Hobart City Council and the
Tasmanian State Government

Subject: Petition to Upgrade the North Hobart EC Skatepark

We, the undersigned, urge the City of Hobart Council and the Tasmanian State Government to prioritize the urgent upgrade of the North Hobart EC Skatepark. This improvement will not only level the playing field for local athletes but also provide essential opportunities for the broader Tasmanian community. 

What We Are Asking For:

We request the City of Hobart Council and the Tasmanian State Government to allocate the necessary resources to upgrade the North Hobart EC Skatepark, including:

1. Renovating and expanding existing facilities to meet international standards for skateboarding, BMX, and other action sports.
2. Incorporating diverse elements, such as bowls, ramps, and street-style features, to cater to all skill levels and disciplines.
3. Enhancing safety features, including better lighting, surveillance, and accessibility.
4. Providing appropriate facilities to support the sheshreds movement - inclusive of club / storage room, bathrooms, appropriate lighting and undercover areas to facilitate use of the park in poor weather. 

Reasons for Upgrading the North Hobart EC Skatepark:

Elevating Local Talent: Tasmania has long been home to a vibrant skateboarding and BMX culture. The success of Keegan Palmer, who brought home a gold medal in skateboarding at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and the incredible achievements of Arisa Trew, who made history as one of the top performers in the sport, showcase the immense talent that can emerge from Australian athletes. While Keegan Palmer and Arissa True are from the Gold Coast, their achievements underline the importance of providing world-class facilities to nurture future stars from all parts of Australia, including Tasmania. To do so, we need professional-grade infrastructure like that found on the mainland. Upgrading the EC Skatepark will provide local riders with the opportunities and resources to succeed at national and international levels, just like their counterparts on the mainland. It is our goal to have a Tasmanian stand alongside previous Olympians which include Arisa Trew,  Chloe Covell, Poppy Star, Shane Oneil, Keegan Palmer and Kieran Wooley and others. 
Support for Women in Skateboarding: The recent rise of female participation in skateboarding has been marked by the powerful contributions of groups such as She Shreds, which supports and empowers women in skateboarding and other action sports. The talent, resilience, and community spirit of She Shreds should be celebrated and supported by providing them with an upgraded, inclusive space. By making the North Hobart EC Skatepark a modern and diverse facility, we can ensure that girls and women across Tasmania have access to the best possible opportunities to develop and compete in skateboarding.
Community Engagement and Well-being: Skateparks are more than just places to ride—they serve as vibrant community hubs where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together. They foster creativity, physical activity, and social interaction, contributing to the health and well-being of our community. An upgraded skatepark will provide young people and adults alike with a safe, accessible space to be active and connect with others. It will also enhance Hobart’s reputation as a city that supports healthy, dynamic lifestyles, making it more attractive to residents, visitors, and potential investors.

Bridging the Gap Between Tasmania and Mainland Facilities: Tasmania, with its growing and diverse skateboarding community, is in need of facilities that meet the same high standards as those found on the mainland. Our current infrastructure lags behind what is offered in major cities, limiting the potential of local athletes and hindering their ability to compete on an even footing. By upgrading the North Hobart EC Skatepark, we can give Tasmanians the chance to train on world-class equipment and design, helping close the gap between our community and the thriving action sports culture seen on the mainland.

Conclusion:

An upgraded North Hobart EC Skatepark will not only improve the prospects of Tasmanian athletes but also benefit the broader community by promoting active, healthy lifestyles and social cohesion. It is time to invest in our youth, our athletes, and our community by providing them with the world-class facilities they deserve.

We respectfully urge you to take immediate action and help bring this vision to life.

Sincerely,
Paul Mcmacken and Harrison Mol on behalf of Hobart's Skatepark User Group

*Please note - the donations link under this petition do not go to the cause and go to change.org. If you feel like donating please donate to the She Shreds directly