More than 50 people supported a move of the skate park, which was installed 15 years ago as a temporary solution, at a community meeting earlier this month.

Their proposition included Sir Isaac Isaacs Park as an alternative, and that the current site should be secured to build a tourist offering around the adjacent 160-year-old stone bridge.

Friends of the Stone Bridge Park member David Larkin said the group planned to circulate a petition in town against council’s decision to stay with the site.

“The consensus at the meeting was that we were prepared to assist in the construction of skate facilities in a more appropriate location, and if it cost a little more, then it was worth it to retain the Stone Bridge Park,” he said.

“We have consistently maintained that we don't have a problem with a skate park to the exact requirements of the users in just about any location, except under the stone bridge.

“They (council) are spending $1.15 million in Chiltern making a ‘place’ in a laneway, and another $1.06 million in Rutherglen … but remain determined to deny those same opportunities to Yackandandah.”

Mayor Jenny O’Connor pointed to funding issues.

“We have made a decision to upgrade the existing facility, because that’s what we’re funded for,” she said.

“We’re also going to look at how we can improve that area and make it more amenable for other recreation uses as well, through landscaping and hopefully putting in some tables and chairs.”

Cr O’Connor said issues had been raised about the alternatives of Isaacs Park and the sports park – for the former, the removal of trees, safety of other users, and noise, and poor visibility and objection from police for the latter.

She said it was unlikely any further funding could be secured for a move either way.

“We don’t have the budget and we won’t get a budget as we have the maximum grant under Sports and Recreation Victoria for this facility,” Cr O’Connor said.

“We’d be saying to the young people, ‘Thanks for your input, but we’ll just wait and see if we get lucky enough for more funding’.

“In the meantime we do have the grant to upgrade the existing facility.”

Cr O’Connor disagreed with claims there was not enough consultation and said some commentary around the issue had caused “division in the community”.

“I am satisfied with the level of consultation that has happened,” she said.

“Even if people aren’t happy with the outcome, I hope they can accept it’s been done in good faith and we want to work with the community.

“All we can do now is try to engage with these people; we would like to get their input about what we could do with that park.” Final designs for the $225,000 will be presented in November.