Christmas Came Early for Merton

Published on 21 December 2022

Merton will soon enjoy new a skatepark at the Merton Recreation Reserve thanks to a $20,000 grant awarded through Council’s Outlying Communities Infrastructure Fund. A generous donation of training equipment from the family of Hayley Wilson (Mansfield’s Street Skate Olympian) is already being utilised by the community and will be retained for inclusion in the project.

The Merton Community has already started the design process for the skatepark which should take less than 12 months to complete. The skatepark will provide a space that encourages activity and a more inclusive and connected experience for the Merton community members and families.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said the skatepark was an initiative of the Merton community who came up with the idea for a space for the community and families to meet, feel connected and fits well within the vision of the Merton Recreation and Memorial Reserves Inc.

“Council is really happy to provide funding for community-led projects that add to the amenity of towns,” he said.

“Projects like this receive funding through our Outlying Communities Infrastructure Grant as they improve the town’s infrastructure in a way that can also contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community by keeping them active and connected.

“I join the Merton community in thanking the Wilson family for their incredibly generous donation that will add significantly to the project.”

After hearing the news of the grant project, the family of Hayley’s family contacted the Merton Community group to donate pieces to the town for inclusion in the skatepark.

Margaret FitzGerald of the Merton Community Group said the Merton community has been surprised and thrilled by the Wilson family’s generous donation of Hayley’s skateboard training equipment.

“Hayley’s family heard about our skate park project here in Merton and offered us the surplus equipment—it’s so exciting!” she said.

Marat Minikhanov, a young member of the Merton Community said this was great news for the community.

“Now the skaters of Merton and surrounds will have somewhere to meet and skate while we build our permanent skate park with the Mansfield Shire Council grant.”

Merton is in the process of developing a plan that considers the long-term vision for its community. Community members are encouraged to view the draft Plan to learn what’s been proposed to help define the future development, character and layout of the town. Visit engage.mansfield.vic.gov.au