27 March 2012
Land preparation underway for new Koutu youth space
Koutu residents will notice landscaping material and fill currently being placed on Karenga Park to raise the reserve’s
soil level in preparation for construction of Rotorua District Council’s (RDC) next youth space.
While the Lake Rd overbridge is being dismantled soil is being taken from the bridge embankments and transported to
Karenga Park.
RDC parks manager Garry Page says the soil is being used to raise ground levels enabling better drainage of the wet
areas in this park. The soil will be transported to the park where it will be spread, leveled and left to consolidate
before being seeded in October.
“Currently the surface of Karenga Park is at lake level so water and drainage is an issue. By raising the ground level
of areas within the park, it is Council’s aim is to have a better drained and more functional reserve. This work to be
undertaken over the next few months will raise an area of Karenga Park which will also satisfy the requirements for the
planned youth space to be constructed on this reserve.”
RDC youth projects officer Jill Campbell says consultation with Koutu youth in 2010 indicated young people were
interested in netball, basketball, a sports field and skateboard facilities in the community, as well as BMX mounds and
a whanau barbeque area.
“As a result of young people’s submissions for improved youth spaces in Fordlands, Koutu and Western Heights during
council’s last Ten Year Plan process, both Fordlands and Western Heights youth spaces were completed earlier this year
and have proved very popular. Koutu is next in line for a youth space.
“The Koutu community is now waiting in anticipation for their own facility which their children and young people can
utilise in a whanau-friendly space.
“We’re taking away barriers to participating so families won’t need to worry about transportation and costs because it’s
right there at their doorstep and free of charge.”
A community hui (meeting) will be held on Wednesday 9 May at Waikite Rugby Football Club to discuss the next steps in
the design and construction of the youth space which is planned to be completed by December 2012. All interested
residents are welcome to attend.
ENDS