Business South customer navigator Danny Healy was never much of a skater, opting for a surfboard instead.
But when his 18-year-old nephew told him of the need for an indoor skatepark for when it rained, Mr Healy was more than willing to take the plunge.
"We’ve got a really strong evidence base to say to big groups like the council that this is a real need for the city.
"Once it’s in place, it’s going to be a great facility."
Mr Healy estimated about 10-30% of young people rode wheeled devices, whether that be a skateboard, scooter, bike or roller-blades.
While Dunedin had good facilities, such as the Thomas Burns skate park, it was limited, Mr Healy said.
An indoor skate park provided another place to practise, even in the rain, and would offer a greater variety of obstacles to keep skaters hooked.
As well as skaters, it would benefit people "not terribly enamoured with the sound and behaviour of wheels on concrete."
"If there was a place dedicated for skaters to actually go where they’re supposed to be, it could really resolve that tension," Mr Healy said.
The pair’s Facebook group had attracted nearly 40 people.
Mr Healy also hoped to spark conversations about an indoor playground, to offer parents an inexpensive entertainment option to take their children.
A council spokesman said it was working on improvements to skate parks and playgrounds, and was in consultation with the skateboarding community about new facilities.
"We’ve been rolling out improvements to our playgrounds, including the installation of new skate ramps, as part of our Play Space Plan. These new facilities have proven very popular so far.
"We’re also working with the Dunedin Skateboarding Association as we consider new facilities, and they have made suggestions about further investment, including locations and the types of facilities desired.
"These ideas, as well as our normal investment in play spaces, will be considered as part of our 10-year plan process."
