The Yass Valley Youth Council worked to secure funding for stage one, with more stages to be added as funding becomes available.

Stage one of the upgrade project was officially opened by mayor Rowena Abbey on December 21.

The eight new ramps provide riders and skaters an opportunity to test out tricks they previously couldn’t do, as the old ramps had deteriorated.

The works make the park more suitable for experienced users.

Stage two is planned for the pool side of the park and will be aimed at beginner and intermediate riders and skaters.

Yass Valley Council put $75,000 toward the project while the NSW government provided a $50,000 grant.

The youth council’s Caitlin Nelson said the Yass group intends to submit another funding application through the NSW Governments Department of Sport and Recreation to complete stage two.

At the opening Cr Abbey thanked past youth council members Campbell Chalmers and Jack Grayson and Ms Nelson for their hard work to progress the project.

She also recognised Marty Wright’s work on the project and his coordination of the annual Youth Week event, Adoro Cadaras. Hamish Scroope and former councillor Chris McKenzie-McHarg were also thanked for their efforts.

Students at Yass High School have developed a number of designs for artwork that will be painted on the retaining walls. This project will be undertaken during first term next year.

The youth council had help from a number of local companies who provided services at reduced cost.

“Savings that have been made will be used to support construction activities associated with stage two,” council said.

Those businesses included Water Brothers Concreting, Concrite Pty Ltd, Yass Bricks and Pavers, R & C Pollack Concreting, Yass Earth Movers, Yass Valley Hire and B & V Engineering.