Whakatāne District Council, in partnership with Sport BOP, has supported applications to external funding agencies for the planned Whakatāne Skate Park extension following a recommendation from its Projects and Services Committee.

The Whakatāne Skate Park Committee has engaged with park users, Sport BOP and Council over the past three years to develop design concepts for the extension, which aims to build the facility into a regional skate park.

Council has so far supported the project by providing technical advice and funding the cost of the detailed design. It has committed $50,000 a year to support recreational initiatives through its Partnership Facilitation Fund as part of the 2018-28 Long Term Plan. The cost of the project will be 100% externally funded. The Skate Park Committee has submitted a number of applications to external funding providers over the past month and looks forward to receiving positive support for the project in the near future.

Places and Open Spaces manager Mike Houghton says the planned extension will enhance and modernise the skate park, and create areas suitable for people of all ages and skill levels.

"Features will include a main skating/plaza area, a half pipe or mini ramp, a street skating area for more experienced riders and a pump track with quarter pipes, corner berm and pump bumps. 

"The skate park extension will provide recreational opportunities for the youth and residents of the wider district. This development meets Council's vision of making Whakatāne a great place to live, work and play and aligns with other projects detailed in the Active Whakatāne strategy currently being developed," he says.

The original Whakatāne Skate Park was built in 1998. It is linked to the Warren Cole pathway, which runs for about 5km along the Whakatāne River and is a part of the Whakatāne River Greenways Concept Plan. Under the District Plan the park is designated as an active reserve.