Ballarat’s regional skate park will close for five days next week to allow for major maintenance work at the popular venue.

Council’s works crew will patch and repair the concrete skating surface, while graffiti will be removed by a Department of Justice crew under the supervision of Council staff.

This will be the first time the skate park has been closed since it opened in November 2004; routine maintenance is generally undertaken while the park is open for use.

However the extent of work required means it would not be safe for skaters or workers to keep the park open while the work is done.

Council’s Manager Recreation and Open Space Planning, Ashley Pittard said the work was necessary to ensure the safety of people using the park.

“Around 200 people use the reserve each day.  Some are skaters or bladers, while others ride scooters or BMX’s.  The skate park attracts users of all ages and over time the concrete surface has become chipped and requires patching”, Mr Pittard said.

“This work will ensure the park is in tip top shape for the busy period over Easter”.

The skate park will be closed to patrons from Monday 28 March to Friday 1 April.

Council’s Youth Services team holds about four events at the park each year.