There has been a hive of work happening at the Tarpeena Skate Park for the past week and Bart Simpson’s response would be “Ay, Caramba!” if he saw it.
Local artist Jeremy Ievins was commissioned to design and paint a graphic image to improve the amenity of the Tarpeena Skate Park, and the end result is astounding. It resembles a colourful Simpson’s pinball machine with three dimensional features. Not only did Jeremy design and paint the graphic image, but he took his brief from a couple of Tarpeena youth and also supervised them and others as they helped to paint the design as part of SA Youth Week.
SA Youth Week is celebrated annually in April with the aim of helping to promote a positive image of young people. The District Council of Grant, City of Mount Gambier and Headspace combined forces to create a fun filled week of events for youth aged from 12 to 25 years of age with the assistance of the Office of Youth and local businesses. Events were held in Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell from 10 – 18 April, but this one was specifically designed for the youth who live in and around the small township of Tarpeena.
The project was launched when a couple of young Tarpeena skate park users approached the District Council of Grant to revamp and update their well-used skate park. Council approached Jeremy Ievins to run the project, as he is a local artist with a proven track record and reputation. Jeremy has worked with youth on other local projects, and his surfing and skateboarding background put him in good stead for the task.
The project was supported with funding from the Office of Youth as part of Council’s SA Youth Week grant funding and the District Council of Grant. Greg Saunders Painter and Decorator supplied the paint and supplies, while Jeremy donated much of his time and labour freely towards the project. The Tarpeena Progress Association have raised funds to help finish and protect the project including the addition of an anti-graffiti coating.
