A concept drawing of the water-play area planned for Otupaiia Marine Park in Waitara. Photo: Supplied/ New Plymouth District Council
A youth zone and water-play area at a revamped Otupaiia Marine Park in Waitara is one step closer after a $950,000 boost.
The grant from the Taranaki Electricity Trust (TET) would enable New Plymouth District Council and Te Kōwhatu tū Moana Trust, which own the land, to develop the youth zone and water-play area - key features of the revamp.
Plans for the youth zone include a sand volleyball court, an acrylic court for basketball and other games, a shade structure, outdoor table tennis tables, water fountains, seating and planting.
The water play zone was themed around fishing and the Waitara River and would enable children to interact with and manipulate water while learning about its physics and the river.
Council strategic planning manager Renee Davies said council was grateful that TET had seen the value in providing these activity areas for young people in Waitara.
"We want the revamped Otupaiia to be a great place for meeting up, playing, and connecting with others for generations to come."
A image of what the planned new youth zone might look like, at Otupaiia Marine Park in Waitara. Photo: Supplied/ New Plymouth District Council
The revamp previously received a $900,000 grant from Toi Foundation plus support from corporate funders.
The council and Te Kōwhatu tū Moana Trust worked with the community to establish a wish-list of developments at the park.
Work on stage one, funded by Te Ara Whakamua O Whaitara, was underway with new public barbecues, picnic tables and shelters being installed.
These would be ready for community use by Christmas.
Council was funding a skate park as part of the stage two development and is working on the design with local young people.
The funding for this work would come from the $1m allocated to the Marine Park project through the government's Three Waters Better Off funding programme.
Fast facts:
- The redevelopment of Otupaiia Marine Park is the first of its kind under the co-management relationship between the council and Te Kōwhatu Tū Moana, which received assets and rights under the New Plymouth District Council (Waitara Lands) Act.
- The council looks after 1600ha of park and reserve land, 14 playing courts and eight skateparks.
- In September 2022
