Rye’s new skate park is the wheel deal

Published on 02 October 2026

Wheels up Rye, the upgraded Rye Skate Park is officially open and it is already giving big “just one more go” energy.

The new-look park at R J Rowley Reserve rolled into action with a community celebration on 22 August.

Designed with the local skate community and project designers Playce, the refreshed space has been built for beginners finding their balance, families settling in for a watch and experienced riders, ready to chase their next clean line.

The main event? One of the only skate parks with a ‘Vortex’, a brand-new three-pocket bowl with 1.65 metre deep square and round pockets, a 3.15 metre deep waterfall and rounded hips made for smooth runs, big grins and plenty of “wait, did you see that?” moments.

There is also a street section with a manual pad, kerb slider, flat rail, lower-level banks and transitions, plus a bowled mini ramp section at 0.90 metres deep. In non-skater speak: more ways to roll, slide, wobble, nail it, stack it safely and try again.

Off the wheels, the upgrade also includes two formalised accessible parking spaces and a new hardstand area between the skate park and nearby playground, spectator strategy sessions and the sacred post-skate debrief.

Watch the latest Peninsula Tales video to see all the action, tricks and big community energy from the opening event.

The opening day showed exactly what this place is about: inclusion, confidence and community on wheels. Enable Skate delivered a disability skateboarding program, Skateboarding Victoria ran free lessons and Shed 9 and Inspire Change Crew helped bring the afternoon’s event and competition to life.

The project was also a reminder that great community spaces do not just appear out of thin air — or out of a half-pipe. They are shaped by passionate people who keep showing up. Special thanks go to Skateboarding Victoria, Moss Foundation, Rye Skate Park Advisory Group and the many local riders, families and supporters who shared ideas, time and energy along the way.

Together, they helped create a fun, inclusive place for the people who will use it most — which is a fancy way of saying the community had a hand on the handlebars from the start.

The upgrade was developed in partnership with the Victorian Government, supported by a $1 million investment through the Victorian Budget 2023–24 and the Community Sport and Recreation Grants program. Council contributed to the original design process and delivered construction of the park.

So grab your helmet, bring your “one more try” spirit and roll on down. Rye Skate Park is open and it is ready when you are.