Collaborators on the city’s skate park project confirmed the campaign’s success yesterday, with the $300,000 funding target achieved.

And fittingly, it was Port Pirie’s major employer, Nyrstar that helped the project over the line, contributing the final $20,000 to ensure the skate park could go ahead.

Nyrstar general manager Matt Howell was happy to be part of the final chapter in the historic campaign.

“As a major stakeholder, we are delighted to be able to assist with a

community initiative of this nature,” he said.

“It is just an example of how progressive Port Pirie is.

“This contribution will not only enable us to play our part in getting the facility across the line, but it will also assist us in achieving the ten by 10 project aim of reducing lead levels in children.” This will see some of the company’s funding being used for greening, mulching and hand washing facilities.

Skate park organisers knew they were in for a tough battle when the State Government refused to match council’s $150,000 contribution towards the

project.

Upper Spencer ICAN manager and Port Pirie Youth Sector Network

representative Jodie Gregg-Smith said the refusals had disappointed local youth.

“The young people of the town have never been more disenchanted with knockback after knockback,” she said.

Instead of abandoning the project, the community rallied, with a variety of

people and businesses supporting the

initiative.

A $94,600 Federal Government pledge was a major boost and was added to $40,000 from YSN fundraising,

sponsored by The Recorder, and $10,000 of in-kind support from McMahon Services. “We have seen the community unite to achieve a common goal – and it is

therefore owned by the whole of Port Pirie,” Ms Gregg-Smith said.

She made special mention of The Recorder for supporting and promoting the campaign.

“This has helped keep the community of Port Pirie abreast of the progress and challenged continued support among businesses and people who might not have given otherwise,” she said.

Mayor Geoff Brock praised young

residents for their perseverance and patience during the long journey.

“I have never seen the dedication of youth and the community being so

supportive of a project,” he said.

“This has been a community combined effort right through.

“The frustrations are behind us and we are going to have a first-class skate park.”