The new Rye Skatepark is officially open

Located in the heart of the RJ Rowley Recreation Reserve on Victoria's picturesque Mornington Peninsula, Rye Skatepark has earned its place as one of Australia's most recognizable skateparks. Just minutes from the beaches of Port Phillip Bay, the park has been a destination for generations of skateboarders, attracting locals and traveling skaters alike since it first opened in 2004.

Designed and built by Concrete Skateparks, the original facility quickly became legendary throughout Australia. Its standout feature was a massive deep kidney bowl connected to a full concrete cradle, widely regarded as the first concrete cradle ever built in the Southern Hemisphere. At the time, very few parks anywhere in the world featured such a challenging transition, making Rye a bucket-list destination for experienced bowl and vert riders.

Over the years the park hosted countless sessions, road trips and local competitions, becoming an important part of Australian skateboarding history. While its reputation remained strong, nearly two decades of heavy use began to take their toll. The steep transitions, aging concrete and advanced-only layout no longer reflected the needs of today's broader skate community. Beginners, younger riders and scooter users had few places to progress, and accessibility around the site was limited.

Recognizing the importance of preserving Rye as a premier skate destination while making it more inclusive, Mornington Peninsula Shire launched a major redevelopment project. The upgrade forms part of the council's long-term Skate and BMX Strategy, which identified Rye as a facility needing modernization and improved accessibility. Extensive community consultation was held throughout 2023 and 2024, with local skateboarders, scooter riders and residents working alongside Australian skatepark design specialists to shape the final concept.

The redevelopment represents a total investment of approximately AUD $1.55 million, including a $1 million grant from the Victorian Government's Community Sport and Recreation Initiative and $550,000 in funding from Mornington Peninsula Shire. The project is being delivered in two stages to transform both the skatepark and its surrounding public space.

Stage One completely reimagines the riding experience. While honoring Rye's reputation as a transition park, the outdated bowl and cradle have been replaced with a modern concrete bowl designed for smoother flow, better lines and contemporary riding styles. The redesign also introduces a dedicated street plaza featuring mini ramps, banks, hubbas, manual pads, ledges and rails, creating progression opportunities for riders of all ages and abilities. Rather than catering almost exclusively to advanced transition skaters, the new layout balances bowl and street skating in a way that reflects how modern skateparks are used.

Stage Two expands the project beyond skateboarding itself. New pedestrian pathways improve connections between the skatepark, playground and surrounding reserve, while accessible parking, shaded seating areas and upgraded public spaces encourage families and spectators to spend time at the park. Improvements to the adjacent playground help transform RJ Rowley Recreation Reserve into a more welcoming recreational destination for the entire community.

Although many skaters will always remember the original cradle that helped define Australian skateboarding for nearly twenty years, the redevelopment ensures Rye Skatepark remains relevant for decades to come. By combining modern design standards with extensive community input, the new park preserves the spirit of one of Australia's most iconic skateparks while creating a safer, more inclusive facility where beginners can learn, experienced riders can progress, and future generations can continue building Rye's rich skateboarding legacy.