An idea that came out of Rotorua Lakes Council's inner city Ideas Store last year has been transformed into reality, and a new recreation opportunity for locals and visitors to the city.
A full-sized ping pong table, complete with bats and balls, has been set-up for free public use in
Jean Batten Square, between the city's Library and Visitor Centre & i-SITE.
The table is constructed of heavyweight solid steel to ensure it cannot be moved or damaged. The tables are popular across Australia, and Auckland University is also providing the same model for student recreation.
Rotorua Lakes Council's Sports and Recreation Portfolio lead, Councillor Charles Sturt, said the installation of the ping pong table is one of a number of suggestions that the council has already implemented as a result of public feedback at the Ideas Store late last year.
"The council has taken on board the ideas generated by people calling into the Ideas Store, and has already acted on some of the suggestions, such as installing new drinking fountains, making changes to inner city bus routes and installing the ping pong table.
"The Jean Batten Square location was identified as a suitable site because a new bus stop will be adjacent, providing a fun activity for people waiting for or stepping off buses, as well as for i-SITE customers waiting for tour coaches and regional buses.
"However, the site is a temporary one as it's envisaged that the table will be moved around to other locations in the inner city from time-to-time."
Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service health improvement advisor, Ronda Cleland Weiss, was one of the local people who submitted the idea of a public ping pong table, and she said she did so "with her Toi Te Ora hat on".
"Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service is delighted to see the council providing amenities for the Rotorua public like this," she said.
"It ticks a lot of boxes - people of all ages can play, it's fun, and it's a great way for people to get outside, interact and be active together. And it's free, so anyone can play."
Ms Cleland Weiss said regular physical activity, and connecting with others, are important for good health, and the more that people can incorporate these elements into their time and everyday lives, the better.
