Artificial Surf Park Proposal Makes a Splash at Melville Bowling Club

By Sophia Joyce URBNSURF Perth has filed a formal proposal to transform land already occupied by the Melville Bowling Club into an artificial surfing park that could deprive members of a place to meet and socialise. The Melville Bowling Club is a sport and recreation centre that caters for all ages but specifically people from their mid-30’s to nearly 100 years old. Melville Bowling Club President Ken Atkins says if they merge with Mount Pleasant Bowling Club they will not have the same facilities  they do currently. “In the purest sense of the form, if we could stay here, I think most members would want to stay. “What’s been offered over there appears a little bit small for two clubs to amalgamate,” says Mr Atkins. More than 500 Melville Club members get together for lawn bowls, scrabble and other social events that might be difficult to continue after a move. Helen Miles, who’s a member of Melville Bowling women’s club, does not support a surf park replacing the Bowling Club but she would prefer something in-keeping with the area. “It will disrupt the walkers and the artists next door and the bike riders, it’s more sensible to put the wave park elsewhere.” City of Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey said in a media release the proposal was only in its early stages and still needs approval from the council. “We are working to provide benefits to our community as a whole and this proposal will need to present those outcomes,” Councillor Aubrey said. Mr Atkins agrees and urges members to work with the council rather than against so they can get the best deal. “I cannot see how we can stay here, council wants to use this land to have a commercially viable sport and recreation facility that will provide money back to the council. “The figure that was quoted was $700,000 a year in revenue back to the council,” he says.