There was a time when the Gold Coast attracted top skaters from across the globe, during the 1980s, when Pizzey Park had the likes of Tony Hawk drop into what was known as 'the deathbowl'.

Key points: A California Skateparks designer says the designs include "beginner and intermediate-style stuff" and new challenges for top-level competitors

A California Skateparks designer says the designs include "beginner and intermediate-style stuff" and new challenges for top-level competitors It takes into consideration parents attending the park with young kids, providing them facilities and shade

It takes into consideration parents attending the park with young kids, providing them facilities and shade The draft plans will likely be next discussed at meetings soon after the Gold Coast City Council elections

Since the skateboard bowl was first carved out, the park has had some extensions to include a second smaller bowl and other street features.

Now there are new plans for an extension to the park that once hosted national and international competitions and events.

California Skateparks founder and CEO Joe Ciaglia is in Australia consulting with local skaters about his draft designs for the park after he was asked to design a street-styled plaza.

"This one's just a little bit different in the fact that it's got more stairs and rails and it's a little more progressive to challenge skaters," he said.

California Skateparks founder and CEO Joe Ciaglia is consulting with local skaters about his draft designs. ( ABC Gold Coast: Solua Middleton )

"Here in Australia you have two professional skaters, Tommy Flynn and Shane O'Neill, that are potentially going to be Olympic athletes, obviously competing in competitions.

"So we tried to design this course in a way that kids that might want to possibly see themselves there, and be able to practice and learn how to skate at that little bit of a higher level.

Mr Ciaglia said the designs included "beginner and intermediate-style stuff", but provided new challenges for top-level competitors as well.

"Everyone's happy with what exists here, it's got a lot of iconic history, so it's just an expansion for having more opportunities," he said.

Plans for an expansion to Pizzey skate park. ( ABC Gold Coast: Solua Middleton )

"Obviously the use of this park is heavy and it looks like they can definitely use some more space. It's just an enhancement and an expansion of the existing conditions here."

'Big attraction'

The development of the skate park is one part of the masterplan for the whole of Pizzey Park, and Division 12 councillor Pauline Young said she would like to see the return of national and international events.

"A couple of years ago we had professional skateboarders here and they made a couple of suggestions which have been taken in on the planning going forward," she said.

Councillor Pauline Young is hoping enhancements to Pizzey Park will encourage national and international competition. ( ABC Gold Coast: Solua Middleton )

"Hopefully it will be a big attraction for the city and a big attraction for every age group to come out and enjoy."

Cr Young said the design also took into consideration that parents attended the park with their young kids, and the plan provides them facilities and shade.

"If they turn up here, they [the parents] can be here for a couple of hours and know that they don't have to leave the park and take their kids with them," she said.

"Locals are more than happy to give their feedback, their wants and their needs. Hopefully we can accommodate those going forward.

What the locals think

Kale Hennessy is one of those locals and he is happy with the designs.

Kale Hennessy, who runs the Pizzey Park Facebook page, says he's happy with the draft design for the skate park. ( ABC Gold Coast: Solua Middleton )

He runs the Pizzey Park Facebook page and films regular skaters for social media.

He said the upgrades would create good opportunities for local skaters to turn professional.

"The Gold Coast doesn't hold many skate competitions, which is really disappointing, because the level here is really high and the kids are really good," he said.

"They need somewhere to encourage them to get to that next level.

The concept drawings were on display for the community to provide their feedback. ( ABC Gold Coast: Solua Middleton )

"It looks really good, they're doing a Olympic competition-grade skatepark, very similar to some of the street league designs that you see.

"[There's also] a lot of back forth which is fine for street skating. It gives you a chance to get some runs in."

Mitch Donnolley from Palm Beach has been skating Pizzey Park since the early 1990s.

"They actually look amazing. It's going to offer the kids so much variety," he said.

"Just the level of skateboarding is going to go through the roof."

The design is currently at a consult and draft stage.

It will likely be next discussed at meetings soon after the Gold Coast City Council elections.