Tauranga gets a new skatepark thanks to NZCT and TECT

NZCT has awarded a major grant to the Tauranga City Council with $459,370 dedicated to building a new Skate Park. TECT has granted $1,023,000

The new destination skatepark will be located on the corner of Hull Road and Maunganui Road in Mount Maunganui. New Zealand skate designer Richard Smith from Rich Landscapes has worked with Tauranga City Council and a community design group to design a skate park that meets the needs of the city’s different skate user groups.

Rowan from the House of Skate is looking forward the new park. “The skate community is growing fast, and with more and more families moving to the area - plus the allure of the surf and skate culture - kids are looking to get into the sport, and parents are looking for a safe place for them to do it. I think the new skatepark in the planning will be an incredible asset to the area.”

Tauranga City Council’s Manager of Spaces and Places Project Outcomes, Amanda Davies, says the technical design of the skate park offers something for all ages and abilities.

“The key features will allow for progression of skating abilities as well as catering for different roller modes. Stand out features of the skate park will include a flow bowl, a surf/skate ditch, competition style stairs and a street skate area.

“The park will also provide a cohesive and quality environment that encourages users and their friends and whānau to stay and enjoy the public open space. Seating and BBQ areas will be included to take advantage of the best vantage points to watch the activity at the skate park.”

Amanda says the skate park will provide an inclusive and accessible facility for Tauranga that attracts a wide range of demographics, gender and backgrounds.

“It will encourage users to be active, creative and have fun in a suitable outdoor environment. The support and funding of the project by TECT and NZCT has been vital as it will enable us to make a positive contribution to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of our community.”

NZCT chief executive Mike Knell says he is pleased that the contribution and support of its venues in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui will help thousands of young people stay active in the years ahead.

“The funding recognises the demonstrated need for increased facilities in the community and is strongly supported by the collaborative approach to this project by Council.”

Construction of the skate park will begin in early 2023 with an expected completion date of April 2024