Petition to Repair, Upgrade and Expand Ellenbrook Skatepark

We, the undersigned, are calling on the local council to prioritise the repair, revitalisation, and expansion of the Ellenbrook Skatepark.

The Ellenbrook Skatepark was constructed in approximately 2009. At that time, the population of Ellenbrook was around 10,000–11,000 residents (based on 2006–2011 census data). Today, the population has grown to over 24,600 residents as of the 2021 Census.

This represents more than a doubling of the population since the skatepark was originally built.

Ellenbrook is now one of the fastest-growing communities in Western Australia, with consistent and significant increases each census period—from approximately 5,478 residents in 2001, to over 24,600 in 2021. This growth has been driven largely by young families, with a median age well below the national average.

Despite this rapid population growth, local recreational infrastructure—particularly the skatepark—has not kept pace with increased demand or modern standards.

Over time, the skatepark has fallen into disrepair due to aging infrastructure and ongoing wear and tear. Specific issues include damaged coping, cracks in the pavement, and an unsafe, rough bowl surface. These problems are not only reducing the usability of the park but also creating safety risks for the community—especially for young people who rely on this space for recreation, exercise, and social connection.

These safety concerns are clearly visible on-site, including severely worn and deformed coping, large structural cracks in the riding surface, and a rough, deteriorating bowl that no longer meets safe or modern skatepark standards. These defects significantly increase the risk of injury for users.

At the same time, there has been a noticeable increase in the use of e-bikes by young people on local roads and public spaces, often in unsafe or inappropriate areas. This raises concerns around road safety, pedestrian safety, and a lack of designated spaces for youth to gather and engage in recreational activities.

A modern, expanded, and well-designed skatepark provides a safe, dedicated environment that encourages young people to stay off roads and away from high-risk areas. By investing in a significantly upgraded and expanded Ellenbrook Skatepark, the council can help redirect this activity into a controlled, positive space—reducing unsafe behaviour while supporting healthy, active lifestyles.

Under its strategic planning responsibilities, including community infrastructure planning and public open space provision, the City of Swan has an obligation to ensure that recreational facilities keep pace with population growth and meet the needs of its residents—particularly young people. This includes maintaining existing assets to a safe standard and investing in meaningful upgrades and expansions where demand has increased.

Ellenbrook Skatepark is an important community asset. However, it was built for a much smaller population and is now expected to service more than double the number of residents it was originally designed for. Minor repairs alone will not address the current and future needs of the community.

We are calling on the council to:

Repair damaged surfaces and eliminate safety hazards
Deliver a full redesign and modernisation of the skatepark
Expand the size and capacity of the facility to reflect population growth
Introduce new features that cater to skateboarding, BMX, scooters, and emerging trends
Improve layout and flow to meet contemporary skatepark standards
Ensure ongoing maintenance to preserve the park long-term
Investing in the repair, upgrade, and expansion of the skatepark is an investment in youth engagement, community wellbeing, and public safety—particularly in a suburb experiencing sustained population growth and increasing demand for community infrastructure.

We urge the council to take action and commit not just to repairing, but to reimagining Ellenbrook Skatepark as a safe, modern, and high-quality recreational facility that meets the needs of its growing community.

Sign this petition to support the future of Ellenbrook Skatepark and a safer local community.