Blacktown City Council Media Release 'Parkour Comes To Blacktown'

MEDIA RELEASE

                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                                               5 July 2017

Blacktown City Council is the first council in Western Sydney to build a Parkour-inspired place space, at Bidwill Park.

Parkour, developed in France, is a training discipline that uses exercise and fitness training movements derived from military obstacle course training.

The $150,000 Blacktown City Council-led project includes an obstacle climbing course, with Parkour pieces and spinning elements.

It was designed with help from students at Bidwill Primary School and Chifley College Campus Bidwill, who took part in Council-run workshops over two days last year.

“Council wanted to know what local kids wanted from a playground in their neighbourhood,” Deputy Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Tony Bleasdale said.

“Their ideas were directly incorporated into the planning and design of the innovative play-space we see today.

“This is an exciting attraction for local young people to get fit, have some fun and try out some Parkour moves.

“With the opening of this new play space local enthusiasts of the heart-stopping sport can challenge themselves close to home.”

The Bidwill play space opening celebration included a thrilling performance by Western Sydney-based Parkour group, Team 9 Lives.

Team 9 Lives director Ali Kadhim said he hoped the demonstration would inspire young people to give Parkour a go.

“The Parkour space here is awesome, it’s everything young kids need to get started and I wish a grew up next to a park like this,” he said.

“It’s never too late and you’re never too young to start. The time to start is now. Start with the basics, start small and learn with your friends.

“It’s all about having fun and building community spirit.”

The project was completed thanks in part to a $50,000 contribution from the Department of Family and Community Safety (FACS).

“FACS are proud to partner with local organisations to support projects that build stronger and safer communities,” FACS spokesperson Mychelle Curran said.

“The new playground will be a great addition to the Blacktown community and will benefit social housing residents.”

State Member for Mt Druitt Edmond Atalla said: “Play spaces like this are more than just an economic investment – they are an investment in the quality of life for communities like Bidwill.

“I am delighted to see Blacktown City Council taking a leadership role in delivering exciting play spaces for the young people of Mt Druitt.”

Team 9 Lives performers with Deputy Mayor Tony Bleasdale, Danielle Bijen from FACS, Member for Mt Druitt Edmond Atalla, Cr Brad Bunting and Cr Kathie Collins with local children Malakye Wallace and Jye Wallace.