Kids are already skateboarding, scooting and skating around the newly refurbished Goonellabah Skatepark.

MP Janelle Saffin and Lismore’s Mayor, Steve Kreig attended to officially open the park.

Designed by skatepark specialists Trinity Skateparks with input from local enthusiasts, the upgrades include a wide range of new places to hone your skills as a beginner, and the finish has been ground back for better transitions and a new surface which is less grippy and a bit more slick - just how the kids like it. And it prolongs the life of the park.

The new features include; new ramps, a ‘pier 7’ ledge and a manual pad, where you can “olly” and do tricks from, a loading dock and hydrant where you can do a “bonk”, flat rail and a slappy kerb that replicates a car park stop, and is to roll up on and grind.

Speaking with one of the first kids out on the park this morning, Eden, 8, she says, “It's better. I like how they have the mini ramps so you can work your way up. It’s good for practice.”

Mayor Krieg came out with gusto at the opening, “We are here with our state member, the dynamic and fantastic Janelle Saffin and Gabriel to officially announce the opening of what is a great upgrade of the Goonellabah skatepark. A $305,000 investment thanks to the state government.

“We are offering free skating lessons over the school holidays as part of the official opening.

(Eden (8) and Jasper (6) hi fiving good tricks)

“This is really exciting for me, because it is a precursor for something that is going to be just amazing for our whole community. And that is the $3 million skate park, which is going to get built down in the CBD.”

This will take about a year to come about, and Mayor Krieg is appreciative “with the help and commitment from the state government. So to Janelle, and to the Labour Party, thank you so much for all your work. These pieces of infrastructure are so critical for our kids.

“It's great to see the work that Trinity Skateparks have done here in upgrading the Goonellabah facility, and really excited, hopefully in the next 12 months or so to be able to cut the ribbon on a brand new skate park.”

The 4 days of workshops, facilitated by Truckstop Sk8 School, are designed for kids aged 5-14 years and cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skaters. You will need to book in, so contact Lismore City Council for details.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “I'm really excited to be here today at the official launch of the upgraded skatepark in Goonellabah. There's kids behind us already out there using it.”

“I said to Gabriel, we might have a bit of a go. Well, he might I won't.” Said Ms Saffin with a smile.

(Mayor Steve Kreig MP Janelle Saffin and Gabriel)

“Steve Kreig and I are always looking for opportunities to improve services, improve amenities, improve our culture here and this is just one great example. When State and Local Governments work together, we get good outcomes.”

The $306,193 upgrades were finished a week ahead of time and was funded by the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities program.