For a couple of evenings last week, councillors, council staff and skatepark designer, J Beaudry, set up shop at the Ōpōtiki skatepark to hear about how the community used the public space and what they were looking for in the new design.
Council's Planning and Regulatory Group Manager, Gerard McCormack said that around 150 people came past on the two evenings and there was plenty of excellent feedback.
"There was a real mix of people who came past to let us know how they used the space and what they were hoping to see in the final design. We saw parents, young children, scooter riders, skate boarders, and a few of the original skate board committee members.
"They had some good ideas like barbeques, seating, shade areas, art and sculptures, parking, and water fountains. All this feedback really helped us get a picture of what the community want in this space," Mr McCormack said.
The next steps would be to incorporate this feedback and feedback from other places like Facebook and through the website into a final design and get the works underway.
"We will be working with a landscape architect and J-Stone Skateparks to bring those ideas to life in a final design with the plan to start work early in the New Year. All going well, we should be completed in time for next summer.
"This work will tie into the wider town concepts, including a new entrance to the Mōtū Cycle trail and improved security. As the plans are developed, staff will also be talking directly to schools and running workshops with pupils to hear their feedback as we want to ensure it is a space they are proud of and want to use regularly," Mr McCormack said.
Funding for the works is part of the $11.9 million earmarked for projects to revitalise the CBD announced by the deputy Prime Minister earlier this year. Other upgrades will include a new look and feel for the town centre and improvements to historic entrances and verandas, signage, upgrades to currently vacant buildings and green spaces and a central playground at the Rose Gardens.
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