Skate + Park design creates more greenspace in Hastings CBD

Hastings District Council’s commitment to providing greenspace in the CBD takes another step forward with the development of plans for a new park.

Councillors have agreed to a draft concept plan for a development which includes a passive park, a children’s playground and a skate plaza on 6000 square metres of council owned land bounded by St Aubyn Street, King Street and Avenue Road.

Councillor Sandra Hazlehurst says” Two thirds of this new development will be devoted to a beautiful passive park and a children’s playground. This area will serve the needs of young people in our community and will also become a great place for shoppers to take a relaxing break while they are in the CBD. Creating green space in the CBD is extremely important to council and this park will further enhance that commitment. The passive park will feature open grass areas, a children’s playground, gardens, pathways, seating and toilets.”

“When complete, this greenspace project will be a marvelous addition to the central city streetscape and a place to be enjoyed by the whole community. It will be fantastic to finally have a great facility like this so close to our CBD,” Mrs Hazelhurst says.

A modern, well designed skate plaza is also part of this concept plan. The plaza design has incorporated elements which local skaters and BMXers felt were important and has been designed by Jason Parkes, an industry professional who has created a number of New Zealand’s best skate parks.

The skatepark resembles a modern urban plaza and includes street skate elements and a bowl which will ensure it meets the needs of local youth and represents the very best in modern design.”

The total cost of the project is $1.3 million, with the bulk of the funding coming from existing Council budgets. Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers says” this is a fantastic amenity which will enhance the look and feel of central Hastings. Council is looking to partner with the local community and businesses on the project and will be initiating a fundraising campaign to raise the balance of funds. There are some very well defined components of the park which lend themselves to sponsorship opportunities for this important community facility.”

Public submissions on the concept plan are open until Friday November 16th. Consultation documents and detailed concept plans are available at www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/skatepark or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HastingsNZSkatePark