Plans for a new skate park in East Maitland have concerned some nearby residents.
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Maitland City Council staff have chosen the reserve opposite the tennis courts in Lawes Street as the preferred site for the new skate park.
But Sandra Lee, who has lived in nearby Page Street since 1958, said the skate park would be better placed elsewhere in East Maitland.
She said few young people lived near Page Street, so she was concerned that a skate park would attract vandalism.
“To me, they are just not putting it in the right area,” she said.
“I’m not one to stop the young ones from having privileges, because I think it’s good for them, but a bicycle track would be more useful than a skate park.
“A lot of people who use walkers could walk on it for a bit of exercise.”
Councillors will vote on whether to approve the skate park for the Lawes Street reserve at tonight’s meeting.
Community and recreation services manager Lynn Morton said most public feedback was in favour of building the skate park opposite the tennis courts.
“The skate park has a much wider catchment than the local neighbourhood, it will service the catchment area of East Maitland, Green Hills and Ashtonfield,” she said.
“At the consultation those present wanted not only the skate park but also park furniture, playground equipment, landscaping works and a pathway system catering for the needs of a more diverse age grouping.”
