Youth orientated facilities

Is this issue important to you? Votes: 2 User-icon by NathanG 5:47pm, 11 March 2008

As a young person in the community, I believe Port stephens Council(PSC) is not supplying suitable, appropriate and safe facilities that are youth orientated. These include: Skateparks, Playgrounds, Venues to enjoy music performances.

What's your opinion?

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NathanG

Mar 11, 2008 05:50pm

3 agree 0 disagree

My opinion is that, while we do have facilities they are sub-standard. The best example would be the Raymond Terrace Skatepark. No shade, Toilets, Bins, Seating etc.

BaydenP

Mar 11, 2008 06:05pm

2 agree 0 disagree

I agree with NathanG about the youth facilities being sub-standard. I have also witnessed the demise in condition within these local facilities such as Raymond terrace Skatepark (RTS).

I continually witness the youth at the RTS cleaning and trying to maintain the facility as much as best as they can.

I have also noticed the lack of facilities at surrounding suburbs, such as Medowie, Karuah, Tomaree, Tilligery.

What is being done about this?

PAV

Mar 12, 2008 10:13pm

2 agree 0 disagree

I completely agree guys.. The skatepark is one thing, however I want to see heaps of ideas for youth orientated things in the Terrace. Have a think about it, between the ages of say 10 and 21, what can you do in Raymond Terrace for free? without getting in trouble for it?

I think we need to come up with some ideas for where the skatepark NEEDS to be moved to before that becomes an even bigger problem, I think we also need to come up with our own plan for it to take the weight off the council's shoulders as well as make us happier in the long run.

I dont even skate anymore but still strongly believe that this NEEDS to be improved, it's not only a hang-out spot, but it is a way for the youth to try and stay fit in a safe environment, and at the moment, it isn't very safe...

I love the idea of some venues for underage concerts, perhaps a big live area next to the new skatepark?

The way I see it, we could get a tiny little skatepark, keep the 10 year olds happy for the first 5 weeks, but why not go bigger? Port Stephens is growing, so why not expand what we already have here? Make it an attraction, increase tourism, keep the business' happy, keep the kids happy...

Anyway i'm done rambling for now, let me know what your take on the YOUTH ORIENTATED FACILITIES is...

margw

Mar 23, 2008 06:07pm

1 agree 0 disagree

I agree with these comments - facilities are sub-standard and totally inadequate, particularly for 10-16 year olds. It is not only Raymond Terrace. The area around Salamander Bay Shopping Centre could do with some attention as there are obviously lots of idle youth in the area due to the vandalism which occurs in the area.

I'm not sure who pays for the suggested underage concerts. Good concerts don't come that cheaply and as there's not much in it for businesses (realistically 10-16 year olds don't have a lot of $s to spend) sponsorship could be hard to come by and I'm not sure that ratepayers would be that happy to fund them either. This problem has been around for decades and is a tough one.

I've seen some great examples of skate parks in other areas. They are supported by the community and police to avoid the perceived social problems with gathering of our youth.