Skate Park History

The Sheffield Skate Park Committee (SSPC) was formed as a special committee of the Kentish Council to undertake the consultation, planning and development of a Skate Park in Sheffield early in 2000. The Committee is made up of community members, young people and the Council, which is represented by their Youth Development Officer.

The proposed project, was the construction of a multi-purpose, community based Skate Park Facility and also incorporated a stage/podium to be used for staged festivals, bands and entertainment that could be undertaken in the Park.

It was agreed by the Committee that the Sheffield Skate Park should be one of the most unique and individualistic Skate Parks in Tasmania in a way that would be in keeping with the town theme "Sheffield, Town of Murals". The Park has a sculptured structure of Cradle Mountain and a grant for $6,000 was obtained from Tas Regional Arts to fund a professional artist to work along side young people to paint distinctive murals on the surrounding walls of the skate park.

Up to 35 young people participated in the design workshop for the skate park, discussed their ideas for the layout and drew sketches of what they thought should be included. One of the things that came out was that they didn't want it to be just a skate park, but wanted it to continue in the theme of the outdoor art in Sheffield with its murals. The inclusion of murals and a Cradle Mountain sculpture was highlighted, as it would make the skate park a "must see and do" facility for young people from the area and tourists.