A high level draft concept plan for the redevelopment of the Wairaka Centennial Park – the area immediately to the east of the Muriwai Drive boat ramp facility – has been produced for discussion with community stakeholders.

Wairaka Centennial Park Draft Concept Plan - (PDF, 2.4 MB)

An element of the Whakatāne River Greenways Concept Plan, the Centennial Park concept could be developed in stages, with community organisations funding or undertaking the projects involved.

The draft concept plan was received by the Whakatāne District Council’s Projects and Services Committee on 4 December and will be further refined, based on the outcomes of consultation with interested organisations and individuals. It envisions a range of amenity improvements for the area, including a landscaped picnic area, new shade shelters and barbecues, terraced steps into a confined swimming area in the river, a new tidal pool for younger swimmers and realigned car parking and vehicle access.

Council Community and Corporate Services General Manager Julian Reweti says the Wairaka Centennial Park is one of the highest community-use areas along the Whakatāne River Greenways’ riverside reserves.

“The existing playground is a very popular family facility and this concept plan looks to build upon that and encourage wider community usage,” he says. “We see this as an opportunity to set out a range of possibilities which may inspire community or corporate organisations to get involved in enhancing a unique spot in our town and creating an even more popular recreation destination.

“We have had some preliminary discussions with key stakeholders and the feedback has been extremely positive. If this concept strikes a chord with any other potential community participants, we’d be very happy to discuss it in more detail and look to define how and when the various elements could proceed,” he concludes.