Dannevirke wheel park plans on track

Huia Range pupils show their enthusiasm for Dannevirke's proposed wheel park during a presentation. Photo / Sue Emeny

Dannevirke's proposed wheel park development is firmly on track.

Tararua District councillor Erana Peeti-Webber, who is a member of a recreational committee set up to look at ideas for the development, updated Dannevirke Community Board members at their meeting on Wednesday on the wheel park's progress.

The wheel park is to be based at the Dannevirke Domain, between the Scout Hall and Wai Splash.

A community survey was conducted involving local schoolchildren seeking input into the plan.

Following this a presentation was given at Huia Range School where children had the first look at the proposal because of their level of input.

A public consultation meeting planned for Monday evening was then announced but this has since been delayed because not all the costing for the project would be available, Peeti-Webber said.

The meeting will now be held on Monday, November 9 at 5.30pm in the Dannevirke Scout Hall.

"By postponing the meeting this will give us a chance to present all the information and to have a walk over of the area," Peeti-Webber said.

"The plan is to install a walking track and a full-sized basketball court as stage one of the project."

She said stage two would be to install a pump park as this was the most expensive part of the project.

Stage three would see a skate bowl, in-ground trampolines and a barbecue and picnic tables installed.

"This is a work in progress," Peeti-Webber said.

In answer to a question she explained to the board that a pump park was similar to a BMX track but had three different skill levels - beginners, intermediate and advanced.

"The track will be asphalt so will be able to take scooters, skateboards and bikes, so will cater for all ages."

Peeti-Webber said a resource management consent would need to be obtained as cycling on the domain was not actually permitted.

"But this track is something we really wanted so that children can learn to ride off the road and safely."

A preliminary plan of the proposed development has been drawn up and this will be revealed at the meeting.