“Skate park to be removed.”

When you read the summary of Kiama Sports Complex Masterplan, it seems clear: Kiama’s local skatepark will be demolished.

However, for those who read the full 56-page document, the truth is buried behind the bullet points: the Masterplan suggests the skatepark is rebuilt in “Central Kiama”.

This is good news for the thriving community of skaters, bikers and scooter fans who use the skatepark regularly, including Kiama Skater Kids - a social group that brings skate families together.

The current skate park is old, especially compared to Berry’s Boongaree Park and Holborn Park in Berkeley.

However, the local skate community do have concerns, especially the size, location and whether it’s fit for purpose.

The Masterplan suggests there is space for a “small skate park” in Coronation Park or Black Beach Reserve.

These have been chosen because of their “central location” and “better surveillance”.

The current skatepark is covered in graffiti, tucked away in the corner of a carpark with poor lighting.

Beachside skate parks make great Instagram photos, but what about the flooding and the sand that blows in? (Sand and skateboard wheels are not a good combination.)

“I just hope they don’t reduce the size dramatically, and it’s built by someone who knows what they’re doing,” a local skater dad told me.

My advice to Council? Ask the skater kids. This is their playground.

Amy Molloy is a journalist and editor, and the creator of Kiama Skater Kids - a social group that brings kids who love to skate, bike and scooter together.