The weather was perfect on Saturday for the official opening of the Wairaka Centennial Park, and hundreds of people turned up to celebrate the new facility. 

The hot weather provided the perfect opportunity for the community to test out the zero-depth water play area, tidal pool and the swimming/diving/jumping area – proving the park will be a popular spot this summer.

Whakatāne District Council Community Services General Manager Mike Naude says it was great to see so many children playing happily together at the new park. “People of all ages were out enjoying the occasion. It was a fantastic day, and the atmosphere was really positive. The new park complements the river nicely and will hopefully encourage the community to get out and enjoy our beautiful surroundings,” he says.

“The new gas barbecues were given a good run, providing hundreds of sausages for children. The zero-depth water play area was really popular, and we’re already seeing people playing there from 9 am onwards.”

The Wairaka Centennial Park has push-button barbecues that are free to use. The fountains in the zero-depth play area will be operating through summer from 8 am till 8 pm daily.