(KCDC media release)
An independent report raising safety concerns about the condition of the Waikanae skatepark has prompted Kāpiti Coast District Council to close it from today.
The report also highlights repairs and upgrades needed for Ōtaki (and Paekākāriki) skateparks. Unlike Waikanae, remedial repairs are able to keep these skate parks in a safe condition until their scheduled renewal.
Council customer and community group manager Brendan Owens says it hads been a tough call to close at Waikanae, but safety is the top priority.
“We know the Waikanae Park skatepark is a much-loved and well-used community facility and this decision will be disappointing for many,” he says.
“However, in our view this is the safest and most responsible action, and it couldn’t wait, knowing what we now know about its state, and failed safety rating, which was about as bad as it could get on all counts.”
The skatepark was already earmarked for demolition and replacement in a wider refresh of Waikanae Park that is to be redeveloped as a destination park for the community and visitors.
“Spending money on temporary fixes or patches for a facility that is soon to be demolished and rebuilt anyway isn’t a good use of resources. We’d rather use the money to build the new skatepark.”
Fencing has been installed today to prevent access. Demolition would happen as soon as possible.
“We’ll put up signage but our message to skaters or anyone else who might be tempted is, don’t jump the fence – the skatepark is not safe,” Brendan says.
The pump track, playground, car park and other facilities will remain open.
“We’re also looking at bringing in a temporary wooden mini ramp like the one at Maclean Park as an interim measure until we can rebuild the Waikanae skatepark.
“An upside is that we will be looking at bringing forward the skatepark replacement as a priority in our Waikanae Park refresh.”
$3 million has been set aside for the Waikanae Park refresh.
INFO
Waikanae Park refresh www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/WaikanaeParkRefresh