The site of the future Greytown Wheels Park. PHOTO/THEO GERRITSEN
Theo Gerritsen
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Greytown’s proposed new skatepark is getting a mixed reaction from residents.
The “wheels-park” planned for the corner of Cotter and Pierce Sts had some neighbours worried it would follow in Masterton’s footsteps – but others were excited by what it would offer young people.
Masterton’s skatepark was supposed to be the “newest, biggest, and best”, but there have been reports of violent attacks and knife sightings since it opened in March.
One Greytown West St resident, who asked not to be named, said the park’s distance from the main road would create the same problems as Masterton.
“I can’t see why it wouldn’t. It’s got all the hallmarks of a replica.
“It just seems like a silly thing to do.”
Another West St resident said the plan to equip the park with lights would attract unwanted nocturnal behaviour.
“It’s quite frightening. There shouldn’t be any lighting.”
She also thought the location was too isolated and would therefore need constant supervision.
“I do feel there’s a need, but I don’t think it’s a safe place to put it. Who’s going to patrol it?”
However, a mother of two who also lived on West St said she couldn’t wait for the park to open.
“We’re anxiously awaiting its construction,” she said.
“It’ll be good for this end of town. There’s not a whole lot for the kids to do around here.”
A woman from Martinborough who works in Greytown thought involving children with the park’s construction and upkeep could minimise damage and trouble.
“The council should involve the youth – make the park a part of their roots,” she said.
South Wairarapa District Council amenities manager Bryce Neems said residents needn’t worry about the park’s safety.
“I engaged the police during the early stages, they came back with positive feedback. They thought it was great”, he said.
“We’re trying to make it very much a family-orientated space.
“If the kids start smashing it, causing trouble with it, we’ll just close it.”
Neems said he could not give a start date for the park’s construction as yet.
