WHEN the excavators moved into Landrigan Park last week they were met with cheers.
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After many years of meetings, consultation and fundraising for a new skate park, the wait is almost over.
By the September school holidays, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is hoping the family-friendly amenity will be brimming with skateboards, scooters and smiling faces.
Local parents and business people have been instrumental in securing the new facility - and forming the 'SkateWauchope' group, which worked closely with council to devise the final plans.
Toytopia owner Michelle Willingham said the park will be a huge asset for the town.
"There are so many people that have pitched in or made donations and we're all so excited that the end is in sight," she said.
Real estate agent and mother of two young skaters, Natasha Costigan agreed the skate park would not only be an asset for the town's youth, but also potentially attract out-of-town skaters, their family and friends to spend time in Wauchope.
"We really believe this will keep skaters in Wauchope, provide a great area for local families and encourage more young people to use the skate park."
Even more importantly, local skaters such as Connor Debreceny have given it a stamp of approval.
"It's going to be heaps better, and safer, than what we have at the moment (existing skate park near the railway tracks)," he said.
"The new park will have rails, edges, hubbas, quarter pipes, mini ramps and a kicker."
The collaborative project is being undertaken in stages, with stage one geared towards beginner and intermediate skaters and including landscaping, a new footpath and seating.
The existing skate park near the railway crossing will not be demolished as part of stage one of the new skate park.
Final plans and local businesses and community groups who have contributed to the project can be found on SkateWauchope's Facebook page.