By JESSE GRAHAM
AS THE weather dries up and the sun comes out, seeing the Yarra Valley and Dandenongs on foot, on bike or on four wheels is a must.
But those four wheels don’t always have to be driving through the hills, stopping in to see the sights – they can also be on the concrete of the many skate parks around the area.
Healesville’s skate park, which sits alongside the town’s BMX track, is learner-friendly and often has a mix of young and old skaters trying out the park on clear days.The skate park also has a seated area in the shade, for parents to sit in or for kids to take a break.
There are plenty of small ramps and rails to practice on, and larger structures for more experienced skaters, though parking is only found at the side of the road or further down at the Queens Park oval.
Yarra Glen Skate Park, meanwhile, offers a number of more challenging half pipes, mini half pipes, a volcano and rails and is more spaced-out – located next to the playground in McKenzie Reserve; it’s a one of the more family friendly parks in the shire.
In the hills, Monbulk, Mount Evelyn and Upwey all offer their own skate parks, each catering to different crowds.
The Mount Evelyn set-up on Birmingham Road is easier for beginners, with well-spaced and less-challenging structures, and sits alongside the Warburton to Lilydale Rail Trail.
Upwey’s park on Mahony Street features larger ramps and quarter-pipes for more experienced skaters, with a platform atop for standing and sitting.
In the Upper Yarra region, Yarra Junction’s park in the town’s main street offers steeper quarter pipes and ramps than some of the shire’s other parks, along with a large bowl in its centre – though the park is described by some users as being more bike-friendly, when compared to other parks.
Warburton’s skate park, meanwhile, offers beginner-to-intermediate elements and plenty of space for skaters, as well as a sheltered space for shade.
The park was designed in consultation with local skaters, who also lobbied the council and raised funds for the park to be built.
For more information on the shire’s skate parks, visit www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
