The first of 220 cubic metres of concrete has been poured to start building a $125,000 skate/BMX park at Wanganui's Castlecliff Domain, a statement from Progress Castlecliff says.
The project had taken three years to reach this point, but given a reasonable run with the weather the street area would be completed in a matter of weeks and the three-bowl final section would follow immediately.
The original estimate of cost was $121,000 and this sum was in hand or committed before site work started. However, the run of unfavourable weather in the spring and early summer held up progress and extra work was required in site preparation, so an extra $4000 to $6000 was required. The statement said Progress Castlecliff had launched a two-week campaign to raise that amount. "Support for the project has come from many people and organisations, but in addition to topping off our funding, this short campaign will help make people aware that a state-of-the-art facility is being built as an asset for the city, for use by all Wanganui people and visitors," Progress Castlecliff chairman Ted Frost said. When Progress Castlecliff decided to start the project to provide more activity for Castlecliff youth, it looked at a much more modest park and investigated the cost of installing an "off-the-shelf" park.
Mr Frost said it was quickly discovered that with community support, which has been readily forthcoming, a much more ambitious project could be carried out for the same money. Extensive investigation included consultation with skaters. James Blas, who drew up the concept plan for the Kowhai Park facility, was available to advise.
Mr Blas drew up the plan of a park for skaters at all levels and has been engaged as project manager for the construction.
The 50x45m park is being built alongside the domain's play area, which includes a number of new features added in the last two or three years. It will be in full public view. The plans have approval by Wanganui District Council, police and other youth organisations.
"We have launched a two-week campaign to raised the extra $4000 to $6000," Mr Frost said. "The other costs, including stainless steel and concrete, are being provided within budget.
"One part of the fund-raising has been the sale of inscribed bricks at $50 each and nearly 40 have been sponsored so far. If we can lift that number to 100 we will be well on the way towards getting the extra funding without huge individual donations."
Donations can be left at the Wanganui Chronicle, Westpac Bank, Cheapskates, The Bike Shed, Wanganui Pro Cycle Centre, Castlecliff Club or Castlecliff Holiday Park, or posted to Progress Castlecliff, PO Box 2036, Gonville.
Mr Frost reminded those donating to include the name to go on a brick.
First concrete poured for Castlecliff skate park
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