Smitty's legacy alive at new skate park

The skills of boarders, bladers, scooters and BMX riders from across the City of Logan can now be put to the test at Logan Village’s reimagined skate park.

The upgraded facility, featuring 2 bowls, a volcano and a vert wall amid new stairs, rails and spines, a bubbler, shade structures and lighting opened on Saturday, 26 November.

Olympic gold medallist and proud City of Logan ambassador Logan Martin headlined the opening event, which also paid tribute to another local skater – former Logan Village resident Clinton Smith. Clinton, who passed away in 2003, is the namesake of  the original park’s popular ‘Smitty’s Bowl’.

His efforts to teach and promote skating at the park are still fondly remembered in the Logan Village community.

Councillor Laurie Koranski says in keeping with Clinton’s legacy, the new park will make skating accessible to everyone.

‘We are very proud to be opening a brilliant new skating facility designed to suit riders of all ages and abilities,’ Cr Koranski says.

‘It is also exciting to have new lighting, that will allow local riders to enjoy the park for longer each day.

‘Most of all, we are thrilled this new park will honour the memory of an inspirational young man, who knew the joy skating could bring and was determined to share it with everyone.’

Clinton’s sister Michelle says the new park is a fitting tribute to her loved big brother.

‘(Clinton) pretty much lived at the skate park and loved taking kids under his wing,’ she says.

‘I think he would be very proud to have this skate park still in his honour and to know that he’s still a part of bringing the community together even 20 years after he’s passed.’

The new skate park is on the Logan Village Green, which can be accessed from Logan, River and Wharf Streets in Logan Village.