A $115,000 Eastern Bay Energy Trust grant has taken the fundraising effort for the planned Wairaka Centennial Park redevelopment past the threshold required to get the project underway.

Mayor Tony Bonne has welcomed the Trust's "generous contribution towards a fantastic community facility" and says that with $200,000 now committed to the project – and further contributions likely – the Whakatāne District Council can now initiate the tendering process and aim to get most of the work involved completed before next summer.

"This really does emphasise the critical role the Energy Trust plays in getting key infrastructure projects like this over the line, and on behalf of the community and the Council, I want to convey our sincere appreciation," he says.

Wairaka Centennial Park encompasses the riverside reserve immediately east of the Whakatāne boat ramp, and the $870,000 project aims to see the area developed into a major, family-friendly recreation destination. Key elements of the transformation include:

• Construction of a safe but high-fun swimming and jumping area for teens
• A zero-depth water play area and tidal pool for younger children
• A significant upgrade for the existing playground
• The installation of barbecues, picnic tables and shade structures
• A range of landscaping improvements

A total of $270,000 of external funding is being sought for the upgrade, and in addition to the Energy Trust grant, funding contributions have also been confirmed by the Southern Trust ($50,000), Whakatāne Community Board ($20,000) and Whakatāne Jaycees ($15,000). In-kind contributions will also come from Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and with the outcomes of a further funding application and other activities still to be confirmed, Council Places and Open Spaces Manager Mike Naude is confident that the full fundraising target will be achieved.

"We're expecting to hear the result of a funding application to the Lion Foundation shortly, and the combined Rotary Clubs of Whakatāne are also organising a major art expo and auction in May, with a sizable proportion of the proceeds earmarked for the park," he adds.

"The District Council resource consent for the project has been approved, and we anticipate that the Regional Council consent conditions for work in the coastal marine area will be finalised in the near future. In the meantime, we’re working on the detailed design aspects so that we can call for tenders by May at the latest."