Snake Run facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snake Run |
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The top of the Snake Run in 2016 during 40th anniversary celebrations
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| General information | |
| Type | Skatepark |
| Location | Albany, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 35°01′10.2″S 117°53′52.3″E / 35.019500°S 117.897861°E |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 17 May 2016 |
| Reference no. | 1972 |
The Snake Run, also called the Albany Snake Run or Albany Skate Track, is a famous skatepark in Albany, Western Australia. This park is super special because it's the oldest skatepark in Australia that was paid for by the community. It's also the second oldest community-funded skatepark in the whole world!
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How the Snake Run Skatepark Started
Have you ever wondered how this amazing skatepark came to be? Back in the 1970s, skateboarding was becoming really popular. But there weren't many safe places to skate.
Why Was a Skatepark Needed?
In the mid-1970s, something sad happened in Albany. A skateboarder was hurt in the main street. This made people realize that a special, safe place for skateboarding was really needed.
Students Take Action
In 1975, a group of students from Albany Senior High School decided to do something about it. They formed a committee with a big idea: to build a skatepark!
They started raising money, and soon they had collected A$3,000. That was a lot of money back then! The local council in Albany also helped. They gave the students about 3 acres (which is like 1.2 hectares) of land. This land used to be a gravel quarry, which is a place where rocks are dug out. The council also gave A$10,000 to help with the project.
When Did the Skatepark Open?
Thanks to all this hard work and support, the Snake Run was finished! It officially opened in February 1976. A famous American skateboarder named Russ Howell was there for the opening. Imagine meeting a pro skateboarder at your new park!
What Does the Snake Run Look Like?
The Snake Run is built from concrete. It's about 140 metres (459 ft) long and goes downhill, like a winding path.
Unique Design Features
The track has cool curves and turns. The first turn has a wall, which helps skaters stay on track. The next two turns have lower rises. At the very end, there's a drained bowl. This design makes it a fun and challenging place for skaters.
Snake Run's Special Heritage Status
The Snake Run is not just any skatepark. In 2016, it was given a special "heritage listed" status. This means it's recognized as an important historical place.
Why is it a Heritage Site?
It's one of only three skateparks in the entire world that has this special heritage status. This shows how important and unique the Snake Run is in the history of skateboarding. It's a place that tells a story about community effort and the growth of a sport.
