Eastside Youth Space at Puketawhero Park hits second stage

The second stage of a project which will provide youth with a range of fun outdoor activities is now underway.

The Eastside Youth Space is being constructed at Puketawhero Park.

Mokoia Community Association manager Leigh Richards-Ward says stage one-which included three new pieces of playground equipment-is now finished.

The next stage is looking at upgrading the skate area, construction of a half sized basketball court, some pump track re-formation and creation of the toddler bike area.

There will also be concrete seating and footpaths.

Alongside these, a stage with mobility access is also being constructed. This structure will be large enough to accommodate bands, choirs and kapa haka groups, providing a venue for concerts and other forms of local entertainment.

Leigh says the Lions Club of Rotorua East are helping with the building of the stage, and Red Stag Timber and PermaPine have donated the wood.

She says the Lions Club is looking for people who would like to contribute to the building work.

"It's great to see local businesses getting behind a project that will benefit our youth and wider community."

The Mokoia Community Association is working alongside the Eastside Community Collective for this Youth Space and has had strong support from the Rotorua Lakes Council, she says.

She says there has been spaces made in the Western Heights, Mamaku, Fordlands and Koutu areas, with the Eastside youth waiting for theirs.

Leigh says they have spent the last couple of years discussing with the young people what their space could look like and talking with the community as well.