The concept plan designs for the Cambridge Skatepark in
Dominion Avenue have been updated and are now available for the public to view.
The concept plans went through public consultation in
December 2021, where Council staff sought feedback from the skate community on
the first cut designs drawn up by Waikato skate park builder Acid New Zealand.
The response was impressive with 90 people completing the survey and providing their
input regarding the two existing skate facilities in the Waipā district.
The concept plans will see the existing skatepark in
Cambridge get a full refresh and upgrade, to transform it into a facility that
skaters of all abilities and levels will be proud of and enjoy for many years
to come.
Acting Community Services Manager Brad Ward said the new
skatepark will be a great addition to the Dominion Avenue site.
“With the upgraded skate facility, we’re creating a real
hub of activity with existing facilities of a pump track, the original
community built half pipe which recently got a makeover, and the
neighbouring the Perry Aquatic Centre Puna Kaukau O Te Oko Horoi in
close proximity.”
“We have made sure that the Cambridge and Te Awamutu
skateparks are different and have contrasting features to create diversity in
the districts skate offering.”
Following feedback from the Cambridge skate community some
changes made to the designs included removing the staircase and extending the
hip, raising the learner zone surface and adding a pumpbump for beginners,
quarter pipe and rainbow rail. Additional seats and shaded areas were
incorporated.
Unfortunately not all feedback was able to be built into
the design. Requests for larger flow bowls and features to cater for more BMX
riders were unable to be accommodated, largely due to the site footprint and stormwater
capacity.
“We would have loved to incorporate all feedback, but the
additional infrastructure required for further BMX features wasn’t going to
work on this site without compromising the skate components which we wanted to
keep at the core of the design. A few of the features we have ensured to
include in the designs are flat rails, stair sets, an euro gap, flow bowl, and
variations of quarter pipes,” Ward said.
Each section of the bowl will offer a different feel with
different heights to cater to all skater skill levels.
To present the updated concept plans, Council will be
holding a drop in session for skaters and the community to see the designs at
the Cambridge Skatepark on Dominion Avenue on, 29 April from 4.30pm to 6pm.
“It is an opportunity for skaters and the wider community
to come and check out the updated designs, ask any questions, learn in depth
about the different features and provide any final feedback,” Ward added.
The next step in the project will be starting construction
on the Cambridge Skatepark in early September. The works will be completed by
Acid NZ and head contractor Fluhler Contracting Limited, the same contractors
who are currently delivering the Te Awamutu Skatepark upgrade.
The Te Awamutu Skatepark construction began in March and is
well on its way to be completed in September 2022.
Council is currently in the process of identifying
appropriate sites for the future Pirongia and Kihikihi skateparks.
For more information and to see the updated concept plan
designs go to
waipadc.govt.nz/waipa-skate-parks.
