Family fun activities are about to get a whole lot better with the grand opening of the Wairaka Centennial Park fast approaching.
Works are in the process of being completed for the Wairaka Centennial Park, which encompasses the riverside reserve immediately east of the Whakatāne boat ramp. The project has seen the area developed into a major, family-friendly recreation destination which includes:
- A zero-depth water play area and tidal pool for younger children
- A significant upgrade for the existing playground
- A swimming/diving/jumping area for older children
- The installation of barbecues, picnic tables and shade structures
- A range of landscaping improvements
The opening event is set to take place at 1:30 pm on Saturday, 9 December, immediately after the 1XX Christmas Parade, which will conclude at the Mataatua Reserve on Muriwai Drive. The grand opening will be marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and followed by a free sausage sizzle for children, and a range of free activities, including a lolly-scramble, face-painting, and full access to the new facilities.
Mataatua Reserve will also host the inaugural Mistletoe Market, which will see local retailers offering market stalls until 7 pm. The planned events will mean parking will be in high demand, so people attending the Wairaka Centennial Park Grand Opening are encouraged to head there on foot, following the newly-upgraded footpath on Muriwai Drive or the riverside walkway.