The Binalong Skatepark Committee was given a $25,000 grant from the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation towards the project.

The grant, plus around $28,000 the committee has raised itself, means the park should be built by July.

“They’re rapt,” organiser Belinda Pigram said about the children who began the fundraising push. “Because it means that it’s not something they’re going to wait years for.

“It’s actually going to become a reality for them.”

Ms Pigram said she hoped the initial slab could be laid by the end of February and the youth should be skating by July.

Travis Pigram, 14, said all the children in Binalong were excited the park was actually happening.

“We are proud of our town but something is missing; a place to meet, a place to hang out,” Travis said.

“A skatepark might not mean much to you but it means so much to us. By obtaining support of the NSW Sport and Recreation grant… [it] has made it possible for our dram to become a reality.”

He said it was because of the committee members and community who have supported the local raffles and discos that the goal is so close.

“We must thank everyone that has supported our venture with sponsorship, and the community for supporting our youth discos, raffles and Saturday night raffles,” Travis said.

He particularly wanted to thank Michael Paterson who supplied the music for the youth discos, and the Golf Club for allowing the group to run monthly raffles.

To raise the final $1500 the group will be holding an Easter disco on March 22, as well as asking a few more local businesses to chip in for the park.

More information about local sponsors and how to help here. Contact Belinda Pigram on 6227 4477 for more information.