Koutu youth centre grand opening

The new Koutu youth space is the place to be this weekend as families gather for the grand opening.

Food stalls, a three-on-three basketball competition, scooter contest, children's activities and giveaways are all part of the celebrations at the opening of the Koutu youth space at Karenga Park.

The grand opening is being held on Sunday from 11am to 2pm.

The new youth space features a skateboard and scooter facility, as well as a netball/basketball court.

Rotorua District Council youth projects officer Jill Campbell said the grand opening promised to be a fun and entertaining day to celebrate the hard work undertaken by the council, local youth and Koutu community, which had enabled the dream of having a skatepark in the area to become a reality.

"The Koutu community has come on board to ensure the opening day is a fun and successful event," she said.

"There'll be kai stalls selling chop suey, hangi, cupcakes, ice-cream, chowder and more to help fundraise for local schools and sports groups."

Ms Campbell said there would also be different kinds of fun activities for families to enjoy including sport competitions, moko stencils and giveaways.

There will also be spot prizes for Mothers' Day.

The site will also be blessed by Reverend Tom Poata.

Rotorua District Council's youth spaces project is a result of submissions made to the council's last draft Ten Year Plan by young people from Fordlands, Koutu and Western Heights, due to lack of activities for young people in those communities.