Community effort drives park

JUMP: Ashhurst School pupil Ryan Scrimshaw shows off his scooter skills. PHOTO: KARLA KARAITIANA

Four years after three young Ashhurst boys proposed the idea, the Ashhurst skate park was officially opened on Saturday by Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith.

Ashhurst Community Trust chairman Richard Tankersley says the idea for the park was first introduced in 2013 when the youngsters approached the local police officer with their proposal.

"It just shows if you have an idea and you find the right people to support it, it can happen."

Mr Smith says the Palmerston North City Council contributed $20,000 to the project and says the rest of the funds were raised entirely by the community.

"The PNCC was involved, but there were so many others who contributed to making this incredible project happen. This is a true community facility.

The $200,000 park was also bolstered by funds from Eastern and Central Community Trust, as well as grants, donations and sponsorship from local business and community fundraising.

PNCC Leisure Asset planner Jason Pilkington says the project represents a terrific community-driven effort.

"They've all stepped up and done a fantastic job."

The new park, situated next to the Village Valley Centre, was welcomed by energetic local children who used to have to make a 15km trip to the Palmerston North Skate Park on the Railway Land.

Ashhurst School pupil Ryan Scrimshaw, 11, attended the opening and says having the new park close saves him and his mates from having to rely on parents to take them to the Palmerston North facility.

"The best part is that it is so close to school that we can come everyday straight after school finishes," he says. "It's a really cool park and great for learning awesome tricks."

Mr Tankersley says construction of the park started in April and is still a work-in-progress, with plans to add a back wall and mural in the near future to complete the project.

"We are so grateful to everyone that helped make this happen. This is not only a part of promoting our community identify, but is building morale too."