Skate park earns praise from expert

Perth-based BMX instructor David Pinelli has lavished praise on South Hedland's skate park after holding workshops for local youngsters last month.

Pinelli, of Freestyle Now, a group specialising in youth programs and stunts shows, visited Hedland as part of the official opening of the park and backed claims it was Australia's largest.

"It is definitely the biggest I've ever been to in Australia," he said.

"It is heaps of fun."

Pinelli said he was also confident the park would produce lasting benefits for the town.

He said skateboarding and BMX and scooter riding did not require time-consuming organisation or lots of people to form teams, but still promoted healthy living and mental strength.

More importantly for Hedland, he said they were proven ways to keep children entertained.

"It keeps you fit and active and on the ball - you've got to be on the ball when you do flips through the air," he said.

"It is also an independent sport where you can do your own thing and stay out of trouble.

"You make a lot of friends too, people you wouldn't meet any other way."

Pointing to his own experience, he encouraged parents to support children with passion for the sports and said it was possible to pursue careers as professionals on competition circuits or with groups such as Freestyle Now.