Feedback rolled in during four skate park 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 Road, Cambridge.
Acting Community Services Manager Brad Ward said it was great to see the community invested in these two very popular facilities.
“We’re committed to designing skate parks 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 skate park 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 Ward.
People that filled out the survey went into the draw to win two skateboards from Acid Skate NZ. The winners were drawn as Waipā residents Jake Gunn and Jhai Fellingnam.
Ward also confirmed the Council had awarded the Play Spaces Development and Renewal Contract, which includes these two skate parks.
“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 skate park 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 skate park will be the first to be implemented from May next year 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 skate parks in Kihikihi and Pirongia. Community engagement will commence in 2022 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 skate park community want to see at their local skate parks 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.
