Manjin Rec Plaza - jump on board!

Date:

12 Apr 2016, 12:00 am

Categories:

News and Notices

To learn more about the project, click here to visit the Manjin Rec Plaza page.

Visit the Manjin Rec Plaza facebook page.

MEDIA RELEASE - Manjin Rec Plaza - there is still time to get in on the design.

April 2016

People who wanted to submit their ideas for the design of the new Manjin Rec Plaza, and didn't get to participate in a workshop, had until Monday, 18 April to take part in an online survey.

Two bus tours to skate parks in Collie and Busselton were recently hosted by the Shire of Manjimup, providing participants with ideas about what they like and don't like about those parks. In addition, a series of design workshops were facilitated by world renowned skate park designers - CONVIC - who have been tasked with drafting the concept design for the new plaza, to be located in Manjin Park in Manjimup.

Shire President Wade DeCampo discussed how valuable the community's input into the design is, saying "attendees at the workshops came up with a number of unique and diverse ideas that impressed even the CONVIC designers, but the consultation process isn't finished. There is still an opportunity to have input - and really, we want to gather as many ideas as possible, because that is what will make this recreation plaza iconic to the region."

It became evident from the workshops that the area will need to be multifunctional, catering for a number of riding genres and ability levels, as well as the different styles of street and transition. In addition, there may be elements of parkour and a number of other recreational activities suitable for the whole family.

Now that the survey has closed, CONVIC will gather all of the input collected from the workshops and surveys, and put together a design for the recreation plaza encompassing as many elements as practicably possible. CONVIC will return to Manjimup in late July to present the draft design to the community, at which point there will be further opportunity for everyone to give feedback and suggestions.

"As with most, if not all of the Shire's projects, the Manjin Rec Plaza belongs to the community - I'm not just talking about the final product either. These initial stages of design are just as important as appreciating the final product. The more people who get involved now, the better the chance of getting a community facility that is appreciated and utilised by all," said Cr DeCampo.

Once a concept is endorsed by Council, the Shire will apply for funding through various sources for the construction of the Rec Plaza.

Pictured above: Workshop participants putting together 3D design suggestions for the Manjin Rec Plaza.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer

Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support

Contact: 9771 7777

Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.

Contact: 0427 094 081

MEDIA RELEASE - Manjin Rec Plaza - jump on board!

February 2016

An exciting project, which will see the community taking part in the design of a new recreation plaza for Manjimup, has gained traction with the engagement of world renowned skate park designers - CONVIC.A series of skate park tours and workshops have been scheduled by CONVIC for community members of all ages and interests, to demonstrate the elements that can potentially feature in the design of the new plaza and to ensure that as many people as possible get to have their say on how they would like the Manjin Rec Plaza to look and feel.

The recreation plaza will become a prominent feature of Manjin Park, as detailed in the Manjimup SuperTown Growth Plan. Shire President Wade DeCampo explained how the design of a recreation plaza, which will feature facilities and fixed equipment that cater for several recreation activities including skateboarding, scooter riding and bmx riding, addresses several of Council's areas of priority for the Shire.

"Our community has been waiting for a facility like this for a long time, and the design is a crucial part of the project as it is all encompassing of several areas that we want to improve in - we don't want to make the same mistake we did with the last skate park," said Cr DeCampo. Some of the priorities include providing iconic locations for locals and visitors to enjoy, youth activities, a family friendly precinct and public art - "the potential for this facility is huge."

Cr De Campo added that this project is a part of the 'bigger picture', with the ultimate aim being to keep all generations of the family unit together by implementing complementary projects such as the rec plaza and the seniors housing initiative. "We acknowledge that providing activities for our youth and a places for families to visit is an important piece of that puzzle."

To kick-off the design phase, bus tours have been organised to two South West skate parks and youth zones in Collie and Busselton, both of which were designed by CONVIC. "This is an opportunity for anybody with an interest to see, understand and even try the various elements that could be included in the design of the Manjin Rec Plaza. The tours will be followed by workshops for students, community members and stakeholders - all are welcome to attend. Please see the attached schedule for further information.

The aim is for the final design to be unique to Manjimup, and to meet the varying tastes of all potential plaza users from toddler age to adults, beginners to advanced.

Community members can register their children and/or themselves online via www.manjimup.wa.gov.au/manjinrecplaza or phone Sharon Wilkinson from the Shire of Manjimup on 9771 7777.