But the council says the work would have cost significantly more than expected, and believes it has struck the right balance between funding facilities and managing its budgets responsibly.
Dunedin Skateboarding Association president Nic Hart said the Dunedin City Council had committed to the redevelopment of the Mornington and Thomas Burns skateparks, along with other smaller sites, in 2021.
"But, to date, nothing’s come of any of that."
After recent inquiries, the association had received feedback from the council which said this funding, which had been allocated in the 2021-31 10-year plan, had not been spent. The council did not carry forward unspent budgets into following years, and so a new budget for skatepark renewals at the Mornington and Thomas Burns sites had not been included in the draft 2025-34 nine-year plan.
It felt as though "the can just kept getting kicked down the road", Mr Hart said.
"Everyone’s pretty frustrated and now disheartened ... it was great news in 2021 with what was allocated.
"We actually haven’t ended up seeing anything done at all."
They wanted the council to reconsider its budget allocations in the nine-year plan, he said.
Council parks and recreation group manager Heath Ellis confirmed $1.1 million in funding for the Thomas Burns and Mornington facilities was included as part of the capital renewals programmes put forward by staff and approved by council.
However, quotes received for the work had come back "significantly above" the allocated budget.
Mr Ellis acknowledged the association was disappointed with this outcome and said he understood their frustration, but disagreed there had been a lack of action from the council.
"We are continuing to invest in a range of skateboarding and other recreational facilities across the city, and these have been well-received by the community."
New half-pipes and a large skate slab at Fairfield, a half-pipe at Ralph Ham Park in Macandrew Bay, a new shared basketball and skate slab at Portobello and new modular pump tracks at Marlow Park, Waikouaiti and Mayfield playgrounds had all been installed since 2021.
They were in the process of building a new basketball slab and a custom half-pipe at Brockville, due for completion by the end of June, and elements of the George St upgrade were also designed to accommodate skating.
An additional budget would need to be approved by council, and the association and any others were welcome to submit on this as part of the nine-year plan process, Mr Ellis said.
