Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the current skate park where the unemployed youth hang out? I mean, isn't that how they get good at skateboarding? Because they dedicate so much time to it, rather than spending time on education or working?
I agree with Ms Anderson (May 6) that the area should become more family orientated. It has potential to become more of a general recreational facility that is user friendly for families. If ratepayers are not contributing any funding, then how are the skateboarders going to work towards funding it? If more unemployed skateboarders come from other areas, how is that going to boost the local economy?
Does the $2.1m budget have night-time security in it, to deter vandalism, and other crime, preventing an eye sore from developing? How will the already traffic congested corner of Ranolf and Pererika Sts cope with the extra traffic to the carpark? I think the concept needs to go back to the drawing board, as it does have merit, but it needs to be tweaked to include playgrounds for children and a variety of recreational facilities, and run in a professional manner, so more of the community can use the facility.
TRACEY MCLEOD
Lake Tarawera
Abridged
I was disappointed to see the revamp of the Jean Batten Square into a playground (May 5). Parking is in short supply and more will be needed to cater for people visiting the information centre, the health centre and the library. Unsupervised trampolines are not a good idea even if a health centre is situated next door.
