It is complex finding suitable locations for skating, particularly in a growing capital city with limited space. To ensure that areas are accessible, safe and inclusive while minimising potential conflict, we have developed an assessment criteria to help identify suitable and non-suitable areas for skating. This includes:

1. Land ownership and use
   Consider how a space is used and the needs of community members in close proximity to avoid potential conflict and issues.
2. Site safety, inclusiveness and accessibility
   All users should feel safe and welcome within and on their way to public spaces.
3. Proximity to complementary uses and users
   There are many other activities which are similar to skating eg loud, physical and require hard surfaces.
4. Avoid close proximity to conflicting uses
   By avoiding close proximity to conflicting land use (eg residents), the potential for future issues are reduced.
5. Potential to provide new opportunity
   Designated skateable spaces increase participation opportunities and enjoyment for all users.

Through working with the community and Skate Advisory Committee, we have developed three key types of skateable spaces:

1. Shared public spaces
   Caters for street skaters, general public. Ages 12+
2. Multi-use recreaton spaces/youth hubs or plazas
   Caters for street and park skaters, active users. Ages: all
3. Dedicated skate park/plaza
   Caters for park and transitional skaters. Ages: all

Some of the proposed actions we aim to implement over the next ten years are:

• Ensuring a diverse range of skate devices, styles and spaces are catered for across the municipality
• Ensuring the skate community is included in the development of new skate-able spaces
• In suitable spaces, integrating skate-able elements into urban design and planning
• Locating and designating a 24 hour skate-able space
• Providing a series of skate-able elements along key skate routes
• Upgrading existing skate-able spaces
• Locating and developing an extra large skate-able space

Indicative Skate-able Spaces Network

An indicative network of different types of spaces spread across the municipality to increase accessibility and provision of skate-able spaces for all precincts is identified below. For now, these types of spaces are not specific so that further investigation and community engagement on the feasibility of these spaces can be undertaken.

Supporting skating through programming, communications and policy is equally as important as providing physical spaces.

Proposed actions

Some of the action over the next 10 years include:

• Review local laws, parks policy and road rules
• Encourage and promote equity, inclusivity and acceptance in Melbourne skating culture
• Increase and enhance skate programs, services, events and initiatives
• Improve information and awareness of skating internally, externally and with key partners
• Develop partnerships with the skate community, industry and other key groups
• Allocate adequate and ongoing resources to guide, implement and review the Skate Melbourne Plan.

The City of Melbourne can increase the accessibility of the social, mental and physical benefits of skating on the community by providing a diverse range of high quality spaces for skaters to hone their skills and programs to learn about responsible and safe skating.

The City of Melbourne can be on the forefront of skating talent by ensuring there is proficient support and investment into skating. In turn this better supports the lucrative global skate industry, attracts increased tourism and creates economic benefits for the city.

For council, skating can be easy and cost effective to integrate into public spaces. High quality skate spaces can attract high levels of use in smaller areas than traditional sports facilities require.