Lightning Ridge and Walgett could have a skate park if appropriate funds can be freed up, according to Walgett Shire Council administrator Hugh Percy. "At the moment we don't have the money available," he said. Mr Percy was in Lightning Ridge last week and looked at possible sites for the park. "It has to be in a reasonably high-profile place where the kids can be seen and it is a safe environment," he said. Mr Percy said he had a plan in mind for the park but would not comment on when or where it may be built. "These things are pretty expensive, between $70,000 and $100,000, so we need to get this right if it is to go ahead," he said. Mr Percy said he would inform the community between now and Christmas as to whether he will go ahead with the idea. Lightning Ridge Blue Light secretary Monique Hannigan said a skate park would benefit the entire community. "It will give the kids something to do during the day," she said. Ms Hannigan said while the youth of the town would benefit directly, it would also help tourism and bring the community together. "It will allow kids to be more active and take part in a fun sport which will encourage the community to come together," she said. Lightning Ridge Tourist Association president John Murray said he would like to see the skate park put near the youth centre. "Someone mentioned that we should put it at the Lions Park. I think that is a stupid idea. We want to have tourists coming in and having a place to park, not being intimidated by having a skate park in the entrance to town," he said. "If we have it near the swimming pool down there, then all the facilities are in one place." He said the skate park was not so important for tourism, but vital for the town's youth.