High interest rolls in for Waipā skatepark concept plans

Skateboard winners Jhai Fellingnam (left) and Jake Gunn (right).

Feedback rolled in during four skatepark consultations held by Waipā District Council in Cambridge and Te Awamutu, after they sought feedback on two new skatepark concept plans.

The new concept plans included a full refresh and upgrade of the existing skateparks in Centennial Park, Te Awamutu, and Dominion Rd, Cambridge.

Acting community services manager Brad Ward said it was great to see the community invested in these two popular facilities.

"We're committed to designing skateparks that are built for their users, so getting that key feedback will enable us to create spaces that maximise skate potential and an environment that users will enjoy."

"The survey results were extremely impressive with 90 people providing their input. The feedback was largely positive about the skatepark concept plans and gave us an indication of what our community want to see at these facilities."

The common additions to the skatepark from the survey results include more features for beginners, kicker to landing boxes and aero gaps for more aerial tricks, and more transition and street features.

"People also let us know they would like to see more seating, shade, rubbish bins, etiquette signage and water fountains."

"We will try our best where possible to incorporate the feedback into the concept plans to cater for all skill levels while working to the site and budget constrictions," said Brad.

People that filled out the survey went into the draw to win two skateboards from Acid Skate NZ. The winners were Waipā residents Jake Gunn and Jhai Fellingnam.

Brad also confirmed the council had awarded the Play Spaces Development and Renewal Contract, which includes these two skateparks.

"We are also happy to announce Fluhler Contracting Ltd, along with Acid NZ, were the successful tenderers to undertake the upgrades for our popular assets. Fluhler Contracting and Acid Skate have already worked together to deliver two successful skatepark renewals in Hamilton [in Melville and Nawton] and we are very happy to be partnering with contractors of their calibre."

The next step for the project is integrating community feedback into the concept plans before holding further drop-in sessions with the community to share the updated concept plans before proceeding to detailed design and construction.

The Te Awamutu skatepark will be the first to be implemented from May as it links into other development work such as a parkour space and other play features.

The renewal of the two facilities will pave the way for the development of a further two new skateparks in Kihikihi and Pirongia. Community engagement will commence this year once potential sites have been reviewed and a preferred option selected.

"The feedback for the Te Awamutu and Cambridge skate parks is a good indication of what the skatepark community want to see at their local skateparks and it will help us shape concept plans for Kihikihi and Pirongia once the site location is decided in partnership with mana whenua and the local communities."

For more information and to check out the concept plans go to waipadc.govt.nz/waipa-skate-parks.