Kaimai community skate park on a roll
Kaimai School’s new community skate park is drawing the crowds and creating exciting changes to the pupils’ skill levels.
The skate park, completed late last year, has exceeded Principal Dane Robertson’s expectations – drawing people from across the District and proving a hit with the local community.
The skate park was built for use by the community and the school. As such it has been co-funded with $26,500 from Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Facilities in the Community Fund. Other funders for the $130,000 project were NZ Lotteries Commission, Tauranga Energy Consumers Trust, Tauranga’s Sunrise Rotary Club, Pub Charities and $50,000 was raised over two years by the school’s Parent Teachers Association.
Dane says the skate park has had tangible impacts on the pupils’ competency skills.
“They are developing more resilience, patience, sharing behaviour, confidence and co-operation – it has been great to see. Some of our less resilient pupils have grown braver and have formed more positive relationships with other pupils. We are also seeing our less active pupils enjoying the physical exercise.
I recommend that children have access to facilities such as this – the physical and emotional benefits we have seen have been impressive.’’
Dane says the skate park has been treasured by the pupils and respected by the wider community who use it after hours. Positioned in the front of the school, the park is easily accessed to share with the public.
The skate park was opened in December by Western Bay Councillor Margaret Murray-Benge and blessed by kaumatua Karena Borell of Ngati Pirirakau and Karora Smith of Ngati Hangarau hāpu.
The skate park was designed by Richard Smith of Rich Landscapes who also designed the Omokoroa Skate Path.
