This is Riley Waterfield. He's 13 and every day after school he heads to Falcon Skate Park with his mates.
The Falcon boy was among 70 youngsters joining the action when the upgraded park at Falcon Reserve was officially opened on Thursday.
And that's not an unusual number to see at the park since it was rebuilt - it's busy every day that the weather is fine.
"Before they made it bigger, I mostly rode my bike after school," Riley says. "This skate park is pretty cool."
His favourite part of the brand new facility is the 'Street Plaza' - the new street section of the park, he says.
The park was designed with input from local skaters and design company Skate Sculpture.
And things are about to get even more exciting for skaters - with workshops and clinics planned, according to Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams said.
"Our local skating enthusiasts were key to making this new park what it is today, and we thank everyone who came on board to help with the designs," Mr Williams said.
The skate park upgrades are part of the City of Mandurah's $1.2 million Falcon Reserve Activation Plan, which will transform Falcon Reserve including renovations to the public toilets and change facilities at Falcon Pavilion, a new play space and upgrades to the BMX track.
The upgrades are part of a plan to transform Falcon Reserve including renovations to the public toilets and change facilities at Falcon Pavilion, a new play space and upgrades to the BMX track.
The City is also working to support the South Mandurah Football Club to construct a new unisex changroom next to their clubrooms.
The Falcon skate park is currently attracting skaters from all over Mandurah, especially with the skate park on Mandurah's western foreshore under construction.
"The Falcon Skate Park is suited to all skill levels, from experienced skaters to newcomers who are riding for their first times, and it's also perfect for scooter riders," Mayor Williams said.
The mayor opened the park together with young skaters, Mandurah MP David Templeman, Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup and Lotterywest representatives.
The City of Mandurah and Lotterywest each contributed $200,000.
Daniela Cooper
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
