Tikitiki to get a new playground this year

File picture of current playground by Ruihana Paenga.

TIKITIKI is celebrating after finding out its long-awaited playground has been given the go-ahead by Gisborne District Council . . . and is expected to be completed within the next six months.

The decision comes as welcome news to a community still reeling from losing its health clinic in a fire last month. The playground upgrade has been on the drawing board for some years as Tikitiki waits its turn for a township upgrade. At one stage, the community decided to built their own using old playground equipment donated by Rangitukia School. That plan came to an end when resource consent issues arose.

A memorandum of understanding was required between Ahu Whenua Trust, which owns the park site, and the council. It was signed in January.

GDC approved unbudgeted spend of $70kThe council’s community development and services committee yesterday agreed to approve unbudgeted spending of $70,000 to build a playground at Tikitiki Park. Resident Ruihana Paenga said the council rang her yesterday to say a playground would be built.

“The community will be very happy to hear the council’s decision, both for local children and visitors to the area,’’ she said. “After the devastating fire that destroyed the health clinic, it is great to have some good news. As trustees of the whenua we hope the council will continue to work together with us to create a welcoming and practical community space.”

She hoped the playground would be the launching pad for physical improvements Tikitiki and Rangitukia residents would like to see proceed.

Finding the funds for itThe council will re-allocate other capital expenditure to fund the playground. Nedine Thatcher Swann, group manager, planning and development, told the committee it would not be difficult to re-allocate other capital expenditure without causing ‘‘a significant difference elsewhere’’.

The agenda before the committee suggests $2100 could be re-allocated from each of 34 existing budgets under the council’s community and recreation portfolio.

'A priority for five or six years'During committee discussions, Bill Burdett, councillor for the Matakaoa-Waiapu ward, said the Tikitiki playground had been a priority for five or six years.

“Get on with the job and get it done.’’

Replying to other councillors, Mr Burdett said the new playground was not part of the council’s upgrading of the Tikitiki township. Councillor Pat Seymour said she supported the building of a new playground. Children had every right to it.

“Let’s get them new equipment. Get it done now.’’

Garrett Blair, contracts and assets manager, said he was confident the playground would be completed within five or six months.