The Eastside Youth Space is coming along nicely and it is expected the youth will have a space of their own by the end of September.
Leigh Richards-Ward, community-led manager of Mokoia Community Association, said they have been fortunate to have Rotorua East Lions working on a community stage for the space.
She said it was the only outdoor community stage in Rotorua with mobility access, so they hoped it would be used by the wider community as well.
The skate area of the Eastside Youth Space should be finished by the end of this month.
From September, the half basketball court construction, pump track re-shaping, and plantings/pathways will take place.
"We are aiming to support our local youth to help with beautifying the space with plantings."
(From left) Ralph Mosen, Murray Longley and David Elliott working on the Eastside Youth Space's stage. Photo/Stephen Parke
Mrs Richards-Ward said since 2009 the community had been wanting to address the lack of opportunity Eastside Rotorua had for youth to recreate or "play" in a space that was theirs and appropriate for them.
The Mokoia Community Association is working alongside the Eastside Community Collective for this youth space and has had strong support from the Rotorua Lakes Council.
They have spent the past few years discussing with young people what their space could look like and talking with the community.
They held workshops with Eastside schools about what they would like to see and took young people out to other youth spaces.
The Eastside Youth Space is being constructed at Puketawhero Park. Photo/File
She said the development had taken longer than expected because of weather and other factors.
"With each week though we are able to see more of the space take shape. As with any project this size, there has been a lot of work happening behind the scenes so it is great to see something physical take shape."
She said many thanks needed to go to stakeholders involved with this development, including the youth and members of the community, the Eastside Community Collective, Rotorua East Lions and Rotorua Lakes Council.
"This really is a space that has been developed for the community by the community.
"Our youth have waited a long time for a space they can call their own.
"Now that the consultation process is over and the development is taking place, community are getting excited about what is happening.
"Our youth can't wait for the space to be completed, they are really eager to use new equipment and 'play' areas."
Rotorua East Lions member David Elliott said the building of the stage had gone fine, though wet weather had been a problem.
Mr Elliott said since this was the millennium year for Lions International, clubs were encouraged to do something special and the opportunity to do the stage arose.
About 20 members had worked on it, he said.
"Most of us have never done this sort of thing before so we've learnt a lot."
He said there were a lot of children who would use the youth space when completed.
A barbecue on Sunday celebrated the stage's completion.
Ralph Mosen, Ngati Te Roro o Te Rangi hapu and Ngati Uenukukopako hapu representative, said the Rotorua East Lions members had been "absolutely outstanding".
