The project’s architects and the Ararat Skate Park Improvement Committee met with members of the public to discuss the plans at Ararat Fitness Centre.

Baseplate architects and Playce architects were the two companies employed to produce the concept designs for the meeting.

The plans included a new concrete bowl at the east end of the park, new elements, shade cover and landscaping.

A concept design was also presented for the west end of the park, with more landscaping and an outdoor basketball court added.

Funding for this section still needs to be secured.

Improvement committee member Shane Allgood said the meeting marked a significant step for the skate park redevelopment.

“We have gone from a really basic concept, which one of the members drew up on a computer, to something that looks professional and exactly what we have been after the whole time,” he said.

“The 3D aspect gives it height and dimensions and it really looks a million dollars.”

Baseplate’s Darren White said the designs had been developed in close consultation with the improvement committee.

“We went back and forth with a few early sketches and got to where we are now,” he said.

“Tonight  is just about getting a little bit more feedback, hopefully they love it and it is good to go.

“There is always something we can tweak, to add something here or change something there, someone else could see it from a different point of view.”

Skateboarding has been included as an Olympic sport for the 2020 Tokyo games.

Mr Allgood said the new designs met Olympic standards.

“The design would allow potential Olympic athletes to train at a facility in Ararat and develop their skills,” he said.

Ararat Rural City Council has established a project control group, which will now consider the comments from the public, before putting out a tender.