Kuirau Park is slowly losing its dodgy reputation. In recent years, it's been the scene of a murder, sex attacks, violent robberies, homelessness and lewd acts.
But a combination of work between the Rotorua District Council and local police has seen it tidied up. Trees and shrubbery that once hid the shady activities of a few, have been cleared away revealing a pleasant area for families and visitors.
Although still not squeaky clean, today the park has a much better reputation. It's where children have a ball in a great playground, where hundreds if not thousands of people gather each week for the Rotary markets and where locals go once a fortnight for the Friends of the Rotorua Library book sales.
This week, big plans have been revealed that, if done right, could see the park become a word-class destination.
Mayor Steve Chadwick has announced a plan to build a communal steam kitchen alongside the foot pools, a joint project with our Japanese sister city, Beppu. Called Beppu Onsen, the new facility is part of a wider grand plan for the park that forms its spa and wellness tourism vision.
