AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

7 March 2007

Community park planned for new reserve on Owairaka Avenue

Basketball courts, a children’s playground and a skate park may soon be enjoyed by Owairaka’s young people, with the development of a new park at 52-60 Owairaka Avenue.

Auckland City Council last year approved the allocation of $1.645 million to develop the site into a multi-purpose community park with both informal and active recreation areas.

The first phase of construction, due to commence in March, includes the development of a multi-use sports field, a network of paths, basketball courts, a car park and tree and shrub planting.

The second stage, to be commenced later this year, will include a playground, skate park and a public toilet.

Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Penny Sefuiva, said the local area has a mixed community, in both cultural and socio-economic terms.

“The provision of facilities for youth and intercultural activities was identified as a priority for this area and the planned development has responded to these needs with the skate park, basketball courts and children’s playground. The development will also provide informal grassed areas, community gardens and walkways for the local community to enjoy,” says Councillor Sefuiva.

The multi-use recreation space is intended to be used mainly for casual community purposes, however the committee has agreed to allow junior sports to be played on the sports field on Saturday mornings to relieve some of the pressure for playing fields for children across the city.

The committee also agreed that sports clubs will not be permitted to develop sports buildings or stands, to ensure the reserve is maintained for community needs.

Ends

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