The proposed design for the Greytown Skatepark is open for public feedback. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] is looking for public feedback on the proposed design of the Greytown Open Space and Wheels Park.
The park has taken over 25 years to come to life and is set to be built on a lot on Pierce St at the western end of Greytown.
The project is expected to cost about $3 million to construct and is part-funded by SWDC as part of the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan [LTP], of which $1m was allocated as part of the plan, and a further $2m would be raised by the community.
“We know that Greytown needs more open, green spaces,” a spokesperson for SWDC said last week.
“Informal engagement by the group previously indicates there is plenty of support for this park in Greytown.
“Now we want to ask all South Wairarapa ratepayers whether the design meets community needs.”
The design includes a skatepark, a playground and a basketball half-court.
Councillor Alistair Plimmer said the council was eager to hear public views on the design and features of the park.
“We really want people to give their feedback on it.
“This is not consultation as to say ‘I don’t like the park’, it’s more about what they would like to see in the park, as opposed to the location or the design.
“It has been designed in consultation with Kuranui College and Greytown School for example, and a lot of the clubs and organisations in Greytown obviously because it’s within the Greytown area.
“All that has been completely incorporated into actually really developing that area into something that is useful for all ages.”
SWDC chief executive Harry Wilson agreed the council was keen to hear feedback, especially from younger people.
“We did the consultation of whether we should do the park in the LTP, this is literally what does it look like, what look and feel do you want, what features do you want, those types of things.
“One of the highlights of the LTP submission process and community meetings was the number of young people who came and talked to us about what they value they saw, and some of the issues and opportunities.
“I thought that was really exciting.”
Public engagement on the park is open until May 2 at 5pm.
“It is a short period because we want to get on with it,” Plimmer said.
Feedback can be completed online, or forms can be picked up at Greytown, Martinborough and Featherston libraries, or the council office in Martinborough.
