Last weekend, the Murihiku (Southland) Riders group held a meeting at South Alive for enthusiasts aiming to support young skateboarders in the region, and to start the conversation about creating a new indoor skate park in Invercargill.
Murihiku Riders instigator Tim Kennett said the city already had a great outdoor skate park, but due to the weather in the region, the facility was not being used as much as they would like.
The group wanted an indoor facility which could be used for skateboarding, roller skating, BMX and scooters.
"The one we have is a great skate park but it is a shame it is not indoors.
"Of course, now that we have skate as an Olympic sport, we need to think about that.
"We will never get a medal from Invercargill if riders do not have the right facility to practise.
"Over the years, we had some real good talent down here — but the majority of days it is too wet. It needs to be indoors."
He also said an indoor skate park would help with mental health for many people throughout the region, as it could be an amazing facility for rainy days when people felt more down.
"That is what we are focused on; it’s one of our main goals."
Mr Kennett said the project was still in a very early stage so nothing had been decided yet, but the group would hold monthly meetings to determine its next steps and funding options.
