Wairoa's recreation area restored

Destination Playground and skatepark was underwater after Cyclone Gabrielle. Four months later, it has now reopened.

Wairoa’s Destination Playground and skatepark are back in business.

The riverside play area and neighbouring skatepark by the river were flooded during Cyclone Gabrielle, with a significant layer of silt left covering the facilities.

“Contractors have shifted 600m3 of silt from the two recreational areas and are now open to the public,” Wairoa District Council chief executive Kitea Tipuna said.

“As a safety precaution, a temporary fence has been erected along the riverbank next to the skatepark.

“It is great to have these facilities available for use again. Reinstatement has been a big undertaking, with all of the play equipment needing to be dismantled and serviced prior to the playground being reopened.

“Thank you everyone for your patience while the clean-up took place. A reminder, that some areas have been fenced off to allow regrassing to take place. Please stay off these areas to allow the grass to become established.

“There are also some additional nearby areas where relevelling and regrassing are still required.”