Mayor Steve Chadwick has announced a plan to build a communal steam kitchen alongside the foot pools, a joint project with our Japanese sister city, Beppu. Photo / Stephen Parker
Mayor Steve Chadwick has announced a plan to build a communal steam kitchen alongside the foot pools, a joint project with our Japanese sister city, Beppu. Photo / Stephen Parker
Kuirau Park is slowly losing its dodgy reputation. In recent years, it's been the scene of a murder, sex attacks, violent robberies, homelessness and lewd acts.
But a combination of work between the Rotorua District Council and local police has seen it tidied up. Trees and shrubbery that once hidthe shady activities of a few, have been cleared away revealing a pleasant area for families and visitors.
Although still not squeaky clean, today the park has a much better reputation. It's where children have a ball in a great playground, where hundreds if not thousands of people gather each week for the Rotary markets and where locals go once a fortnight for the Friends of the Rotorua Library book sales.
This week, big plans have been revealed that, if done right, could see the park become a word-class destination.
Mayor Steve Chadwick has announced a plan to build a communal steam kitchen alongside the foot pools, a joint project with our Japanese sister city, Beppu. Called Beppu Onsen, the new facility is part of a wider grand plan for the park that forms its spa and wellness tourism vision.
Mrs Chadwick campaigned off turning Rotorua into a spa city and the city voted her in by a massive margin. She's coming up with the ideas and backing them up.
Of course, there are already criticisms being fired around but that's to be expected. Comments on the announcement on our Facebook page ranged from overwhelmingly positive to sceptical.
Many said the park must remain free, any developments shouldn't increase our rates and there were other issues that needed greater attention - such as empty shops in our central city.
