The meeting was hosted and supported by MidCoast Counci.

Students from Bulahdelah Central School and St Joseph's met at Mountain Park for a hands-on workshop to start developing an initial concept for the a new skate park.

This was the first of many upcoming opportunities for local young people to have their say in what the new skate park will look like.  

"Across the day, we spoke to over 150 students from Bulahdelah Central School and St Joseph's,” community engagement officer Sarah Wilkinson said.

“While we got lots of ideas for elements to be included within the skate park, including a skate bowl, half pipe and separate spaces for both beginners and more advanced riders, we also gathered suggestions about other items that could be implemented to the rest of Mountain Park that would make the facility appealing for them to utilise. 

“These ideas included play equipment for bigger kids, basketball and netball rings, BMX dirt track and a smaller children's learn to ride track.”

Mountain Park is the perfect place for facilities like this, as it will provide something for all ages, Ms Wilkinson said.

The end result of the project is to provide Bulahdelah with a premier park facility.

While a skate park already exists in Bulahdelah, there’s limited opportunity to expand the park and the feedback so far from local skaters is that the current design doesn’t present much of a challenge.

“Overall the day was successful, there was a number of fantastic ideas and positive insights generated for the project, which will be extremely helpful in the future development of the park.”

The project is being driven by the local Lions Club after it identified a need to create a community space that would give local young people a fun, active environment to suit children of all ages.

Bulahdelah Lions has already received significant funds through grants and has been overwhelmed by backing from local businesses of $10,000.

However, in order to make this project a reality they need community donations to reach their $250,000 target.

The on-site workshop was the official launch of the fundraising campaign.

In coming weeks a budget allocator tool will be released online, to get input from young people on the specific elements they would like in the new park.

The skate park designer will then work with a core group of local young people to come up with a draft design, which will be put to the community for feedback.

To find out more about this project or to pledge a donation please contact Sarah at MidCoast Council by emailingcommunity@midcoast.nsw.gov.au.