In 2017, nine-year-old Beau Heffernan sent a 50-signature strong petition to Cessnock City Council, proposing that a skate park be built in Millfield.
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Four years later, young Beau's big idea has become a reality.
The first stage of the skate park is now complete and open for the community to use, much to the excitement of the kids of Millfield and surrounding villages.
Beau was encouraged by his mum Kirsty to take action after complaining about being bored.
"Rather than complain about it, I said 'how about we see what we can do'," she said.
Beau said he wasn't really sure how the petition would turn out - he just thought he'd have a go and hope for the best - and that it was a "great feeling" to know his idea was taken on board.
Kirsty said it's great for local parents, too: "We used to have to load the kids in the car and take them into Cessnock to the skate park," she said.
Located near Crawfordville Hall in Bennett Street, the skate park is the result of a collaboration between Cessnock City Council and Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Construction started in December, following two years of community engagement activities with key stakeholders and the adoption of Council's Skate and BMX Strategy.
The official opening of the first stage of works was celebrated on May 13, with Mindaribba LALC CEO Tara Dever, Aboriginal elder Cynthia Morris, students from Millfield Public School and professional BMX rider Brodie Ritter among those in attendance.
While Beau was unable to make it to the opening event, he was represented by his grandparents.
Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent commended Beau for his self-determination and community mindedness.
"I'd like to say a big thank you to Beau. It's drive and advocacy like his that Council loves and it's the reason we're here today launching this fantastic community facility," he said.
Detailed designs for Stage 2 works, incorporating seating, pathways and improved access, are complete and funding opportunities for construction are being investigated.
The Millfield park is the fifth outdoor wheeled sports facility in the Cessnock local government area, joining skate parks at East Cessnock, Greta and Kurri Kurri, and the BMX track at Bellbird. There is also an indoor skate park at PCYC Cessnock.
Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
