A police social media post about graffiti at the Shepparton skate park has raised concerns about lighting in the area.
Shepparton police posted a call out to find the person behind recent graffiti at the skate park reading ‘Lights? Lights?’.
The post said they believe the vandalism occurred on June 20 or June 21.
Since it was posted, more than 200 comments have been made in the comment section, many calling for lights to be installed at the skate park.
“I think they are requesting lights,” one commenter wrote.
BMX rider Jack McCarty said has been campaigning for an upgraded skate park for more than a year.
He said lights were one thing the skating community would like to see installed at the park.
“It would be good in summer because it’s so hot during the day,” Mr McCarty said.
“And in winter because it gets dark so early.”
Mr McCarty’s petition to upgrade or renew the skate park has almost 500 signatures.
He said there were many people who used the skate park who worked during the day and lights would mean they could use it after hours.
“If it was lit up and had cameras there would be less issues as well,” he said.
“People could be doing anything there.”
Greater Shepparton City Council parks, sport and recreation manager Tim Zak said installing lights for LED timer controlled lights at the skate park would be about $150,000.
“These types of projects can require external funding and council officers are on the lookout for potential funding streams and grant opportunities,” he said.
Greater Shepparton City Council infrastructure director Gary Randhawa said they were planning to install lights as part of the Victoria Park Lake masterplan.
Since the newest version was updated in 2016, Mr Randhawa said a number of high priority items were allocated money from the budget to improve amenities at the park.
“Council did receive a budget submission for flood lighting of the skate park at Victoria Lake Park in Shepparton,” he said.
“Initial infrastructure has already been put in place to install lighting around the skate park in the future, when budget is available.”
Mr Zak said the park’s lighting will be totally upgraded by mid-2023 and council would run the conduit and extra cable for lights at the skate park at the same time.