Western Bay councillor Margaret Murray-Benge and Omokoroa youth representative Liam Hansen at the sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of construction.
Western Bay councillor Margaret Murray-Benge and Omokoroa youth representative Liam Hansen at the sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of construction.
The construction of two new tennis courts and a skate path in Omokoroa is one step closer with the creation of concept plans for the skate path and a sod-turning ceremony on the site.
The tennis courts and Omokoroa Skate Path are part of the first stage of major redevelopmentof Omokoroa's Western Avenue Sports Ground, which is set to be transformed into a fully fledged $1.5 million sports and recreation centre by 2019.
Omokoroa Point School students Kyrin Palmer, Caitlin Maurice and Sam Cartwright are helping drive the creation of concept plans for the planned Omokoroa Skate Path.
The first sod was turned on the site yesterday by Western Bay councillor Margaret Murray-Benge and Omokoroa Community Board deputy chairman John Palmer.
The redevelopment is to help cater for an expected influx of young families into the area.
First up is the construction of two tennis courts behind the old soccer club pavilion, followed by a skate path, with the rest of development stages unfolding between 2016 and 2019.
The current concept plan for the Omokoroa Skate Path project.
Omokoroa's tennis club is set to get two all-weather courts, with two more courts planned to be added in four to five years.
After years of community talk about a skate-park facility, the concept of a skate path arose from a suggestion by local children, and last year four students from Omokoroa Point School made a formal presentation to the council.
The Omokoroa Community Skate Group (OCSG) was formed by locals to help drive the project, with Omokoroa Point School principal Vicki Knell among them.
She said the four students did an "amazing job" in helping persuade the council to invest $50,000 towards the skate path.
Ms Knell said as well as providing a destination point for skaters, pedal-power scooters, and bikers, the vision was to create a family focused, safe facility which contributed to the existing beautiful environment of Omokoroa.
The Omokoroa Community Board has also agreed to devote $50,000 to the environmentally sustainable skate path for the community - a first for the region. The skate group is sourcing the balance of funds needed through donations and community grants.
Students Sam Cartright and Caitlin Maurice said the project had reached a significant milestone.
"We're excited that it's finally coming together," Caitlin said.
"Starting with just a small group and the support of council, we feel like we're achieving something that's going to become big for Omokoroa," student Kyrin Palmer said.
The skate path is part of a wider design, including a future playground and picnicking spaces to help bring people together in an active and safe environment.
Councillor Margaret Murray-Benge said it was terrific to be part of a true community-driven project that would benefit thousands of people.
-If anyone would like to help with donations please visit skateomokoroa.org.nz.
