The Hastings District Council released a 3D video of what the plaza would look like. Video / Hastings District Council
The Hastings District Council has released 3D drawings and a fly-through video of the new Flaxmere skate plaza, which will replace the existing one behind Flaxmere Village.
The design was the result of consultation with more than 200 skateboarders, scooterers, school students and parents, as well as Flaxmere residents.
Laidout over 1375sq m, it has almost everything the skaters and scooterers wanted, including quarter pipes, ledges, rails, stairs, ramps, kerbs and bowls, more than 20 elements.
There is also a kiosk with an outdoor seating area, as well as seating in and around the plaza, with the existing trees providing shade.
A 3D drawing of the new Flaxmere skate plaza to be located at Flaxmere Park. Photo / Supplied
Hastings District councillor Peleti Oli said the skate plaza would be an "awesome" addition to Flaxmere Park.
"It doesn't matter what you're into, it will be there – for action we'll have the skatepark and the new basketball court adding to the playground, ki-o-rahi field, sports grounds, disc golf and exercise equipment, or you can take a walk or jog under the trees, or bring a picnic and a deck of cards or a chess set and chill out."
The site plan was prepared by top Kiwi skate facility designer Richard Smith, who is also a passionate skateboarder.
Prior to putting pen to paper, he and research company FOLKL talked with users (young and old), parents and the wider community to find out what they wanted to see at the new skate plaza, and where they wanted it to be.
Closely involved in the skate plaza design was a working group made up of students from each of the schools in Flaxmere.
They canvassed wider groups of students on everything from the jumps and ramps to safety, artwork and seating, then worked with Smith on how the plaza would look and function.
"Skater-dads" were also integral to the design process.
The site was popular for its high visibility, a proven deterrent to anti-social behaviour, being right next to the playground so that families with children across ages and stages can play in the same area, and near to public toilets and a drinking fountain at the park.
Copies of the designs are going up on display in Flaxmere Park, in the foyer of the Flaxmere Community Centre, and on social media.
The final design and construction plans will be prepared closer to Christmas.
Depending on the availability of contractors, it is hoped that construction work will start in April next year.
