A fully-accessible pump track soon-to-be-constructed in Waihī will be the first of its kind in the Hauraki district, with a wheelchair-friendly design and a circuit suitable for championships.
And still, there’s more to come.
The track is part of a new Outdoor Recreation Hub to be situated in Morgan Park. It is the first aspect of the multi-stage project to be constructed, with a pōwhiri held on February 10 to mark the occasion.
“It’s taken us a while to get here, so the forum is very excited that work will start,” Waihī Community Forum chairperson Bindy Burke said.
“This is Stage One of the hub, and the forum is now focusing on securing consents and external funding for Stage Two – a new skate park, BBQ area and exercise area.”
The establishment of a recreation hub has been a community initiative spearheaded by the Waihī Community Forum since 2021, in partnership with Hauraki District Council.
It has been involved in several successful community projects in Waihī, all designed to enhance the town. Past initiatives include murals, creating a 3×3 basketball area, and the community playground at Waihī East School.
The pump track design was chosen by the community during the forum’s public consultation period. It will be wheelchair-friendly and include a beginners circuit for those just starting out, as well as a main track suitable for both training and racing.
“This is one of the most exciting projects I’ve been involved in because it has been such an inclusive community initiative,” forum member and Waihī ward councillor Anne Marie Spicer said. “The forum has received fantastic input from students, families, older residents, groups and organisations, whose ideas have helped shape the vision for this hub. The support from local and national funders has also been incredible.”
The forum secured funding from external funding providers to get the facility constructed, including contributions from Lotteries Commission, OceanaGold, Valder Ōhinemuri Trust, Lions Club, and the Lion Foundation.
Cr Spicer told The Profile that the hub’s location in Morgan Park would make it an “easily accessible and open, safe space where people of all ages can come together”.
She also eagerly anticipated the second phase of the project.
“As a councillor, I’ve had many people approach me about the state of our current skatepark, which is in terrible condition, so I’m really excited about embarking on the hub’s next stage.”
There will also be a third and fourth stage of the hub’s overall development. Stage Three will see the central area and playground established, while Stage Four will feature a public toilet and car park upgrade.
Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams said the transformation of Morgan Park, off Kenny St, would establish a “recreation destination for locals and visitors alike”.
“Beyond the obvious recreational benefits, this project has the potential to foster community connection, attract tourism, and contribute to the economic vitality of Waihī and the wider region – something we’re proud to support.”
The contractors aim to have the pump track completed by the end of April, weather permitting.
BY KELLEY TANTAU
