Extension for Te Pai Skate Park

Massey Community Board last night approved the concept design for an extension of the Te Pai Skate Park.

The proposed extension will see the existing park almost double in size with up to 900 square metres added. This will make the facility one of the largest skate parks in the Auckland region.

The decision followed a 2003/2004 Annual Plan submission supported by over 100 signatures from Waitakere skaters.

Board Chairman Bob Jessopp says, “This facility is a response to a request by the youth of Waitakere City. We have the youngest population of any city in the country and providing facilities like this in a safe but exciting environment is important to the wellbeing of our youth.”

Further public consultation produced positive feedback on the existing facility as well as support for an extension. Comments included, “really enjoying the current facility and would appreciate an upgrade” and “this upgrade will keep skaters away from the streets and car parks in this area.”

Top New Zealand skater Chey Ataria was involved in the original design and this has been used as a starting point for further design development. The new park will include aspects of traditional skateboarding as well as new features such as a half pipe and low platforms, banks and rails.

Estimated cost for the extension is $210,000. The cost has been reduced by re-using some equipment from the existing Royal Reserve skate park.

Additional tree planting is planned to help the facility blend into the surrounding park and to provide shade. A wire mesh fence is also proposed to separate development from the neighbouring business operators as a result of consultation.

Also planned for the facility is 24 hour, 7 day flood lighting.

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