Feedback wanted on $2.1m skate-park upgrade in Rotorua

Locals say it's great the council is seeking feedback from the community for a proposed $2.1 million redevelopment of Sheaf Skate Park in the central city.

Ryan Gray, 30, who set up the Facebook group "Upgrade Rotorua skate park", said he was happy the Rotorua Lakes Council was asking for the public's views.

"Ask people who will use it, and use it for a long time . . . the space will be respected. It will provide an environment you can't get elsewhere."

Community submissions to the council's Long Term Plan 2015-25 asked for the skate park, on the corner of Amohau and Ranolf St, to be improved.

In response elected members asked council staff to work with existing users and the wider community to come up with a proposed design, cost, and preferred location.

Mr Gray, a BMX rider who used the skate park when he was at school, said he thought it should stay in the same location.

"It's an open space, and with cars driving past it's safe. If someone has a fall people will see, there are lights at night."

He said people he had talked to were "really keen" to give feedback "as long as it is heard by the council".

Having looked at the concept plans for the skate park, Mr Gray said the box jump section was exciting and he was into the idea of the park being suitable for younger and less experienced users.

The public open day to be held this month, with a date to be confirmed, was a "great idea", Mr Gray said.

"Not everyone has access to the internet [to give feedback]."

Local Jon Parsons, whose son Finn Parsons, 15, is a national and Crankworx BMX champion, said he had been keeping a close eye on the proposal.

"I firmly believe we do need something a lot better than what we've got. I've seen the concept and I think it's very good."

He said his son used the skate park often.

"I find [the current skate park] family friendly. I really hope they go ahead with it. We've got to look after the young kids who need that space. We need to keep up with the times."

See design concepts and give feedback here.

Rotorua district councillor Charles Sturt said the design team included an experienced urban skate designer and local skate-park users.

"Together this advisory group have designed a facility they feel best fits the needs of all the community and they are now asking for community feedback."

Mr Sturt said the concept design for the proposed project aimed to provide a family-friendly facility that was multiple-use and catered to all levels of ability.

The skate park advisory group wants to know what the community thinks of the current proposed design to ascertain if changes are needed.

The group will then finalise a design and business case to be considered by the council and potentially be consulted on through the long-term plan process.

The estimated cost of the current proposed redevelopment design is $2.1m which does not include car parking.

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The council said it had made no funding commitment at this stage.

Mr Sturt said community feedback was important.

"Our advisory group is to be the voice for users, so we really want to know if people think they are on the right track and if they think it should proceed."

The proposed project, if approved, could be staged over multiple years if necessary and it is envisaged other funders would be approached to help fund it, the council said in a statement.

Feedback is open until July 31.

Providing feedback for the Rotorua Skate Park Redevelopment

- Online at council's engagement hub Let's Talk/Korero Mai: rotorualakescouncil.nz/letstalk where you will also find further information including detailed design work, an interactive 3D model and FAQs
- Email letstalk@rotorualc.nz
- Drop your feedback in to the suggestion box in council's customer centre.
- Attend a public open day, expected to be in July with the date to be confirmed soon.