Waipu kids need help for activity area

 

A group of forward-thinking parents in Waipu have been trying to establish a recreation and entertainment facility for local kids for many years.

In 1987 there was a proposal put to Council citing Waihoihoi Park as a suitable venue.

This was accepted and work was done to get to the area it is today.

A skateboard bowl was excavated but there weren't enough funds to complete it.

Since then there have been a number of attempts to get the bowl finished but a small group have managed to stop that from happening despite the need for such a facility in a growing community.

Waipu locals Peter Blanch, Malcolm Norton and Adam Welford have been quietly looking at alternative sites with the idea of having a full recreational facility such as the Mangawhai Activity Zone but on a smaller scale.

A plan has been drawn up which includes picnic areas, BMX/scooter track, skateboard area, basketball half court and other options together with a petition requiring signatures and input from the community to show the Whangarei District Council that Waipu supports such a development.

“The land is a problem and this is the primary motivation behind the petition,” says Malcolm Norton.

“If the community wants such a facility then we will approach Council about getting behind the project. Given Ruakaka has had support from Council for their recreational facilities we believe it is time that they provide support for our youngsters. This is an opportunity for Council to step up – and Whangarei District Council does have a policy for the promotion of healthy activities for the young and Waipu desperately needs something like this so kids can play safely now and in the future.”

The petition can be found in the lotto shop, Waipu Four Square, Hammer Hardware, Malcolm Harker, Waipu Pharmacy and GAS Waipu, and keep a lookout for a Facebook page coming soon.