BayTrust gives $30,000 to FreeParking

Maraea Pomana (pink cap) with some of the children who take part in the council's FreeParking programme. Photo / Supplied

Rotorua's popular FreeParking initiative has been given a $30,000 grant by BayTrust, allowing the youth activity programme to continue operating at four locations across the city.

The Rotorua Lakes Council initiative has been held on council reserves in Fordlands, Te Koutu, Eastern Suburbs and Western Heights since 2011 and offers a range of free sports and other activities for local teens on weekday afternoons.

Council community engagement and events adviser Christine Hutchison applied to BayTrust for funds to help pay for co-ordinators to run each FreeParking session.

"This grant makes a huge difference to whether or not the programme continues. We're absolutely thrilled with the news," she said.

The council has contributed over $400,000 worth of skatepark equipment across the four locations in recent years to help provide local youth with free activities close to home.

FreeParking co-ordinators also organise games and activities at each location such as basketball, volleyball, touch rugby and sausage sizzles.

The initiative was originally run by Te Waiariki Purea Charitable Trust and overseen by Maraea Pomana for three years before ownership of the programme was transferred to the local communities involved.

"I always view FreeParking as a tool to have contact with young people in a natural setting," Ms Pomana said.

"It creates a safe place for kids to connect with someone who cares about them, and other young people, in a fun atmosphere. I can name many cases where FreeParking has changed kids' lives."

Ms Hutchison praised FreeParking for bringing young people together and helping build friendships and trust within local communities.

She said the programme was also a "wonderful way to identify future leaders.

"They take those people under their wing and get them to help deliver the programme.

"Suddenly, they become young leaders so it's having a snowball effect.

"The co-ordinators are mentoring and helping these young ones as they come through," she said.

BayTrust chief executive Alastair Rhodes said finding ways to engage youth was a valuable way of strengthening the Rotorua community.

"Keeping kids occupied and physically healthy by offering a range of sporting activities really makes a positive difference in their lives.

"They are safe, focused on having fun, and surrounded by people who will support them," he said.

AT A GLANCE

* Is a Rotorua Lakes Council initiative

* Offers a range of free sports and other activities for local teenagers on weekday afternoons

* Operates in Fordlands, Te Koutu, Eastern Suburbs and Western Heights

* The BayTrust has granted $30,000 to the project