Changes at Selwyn Park

Heavy machinery moved into Selwyn Park (opposite the Rose Gardens) this week to begin the process of clearing trees and buildings.

The old toilet block and skating rink were demolished. Te Awamutu Community Board had recommended to Waipa District Council that the concrete area be retained, as it had been noted that the area was being regularly used. However Council decided to proceed with the demolition.

The only buildings left are the Visitor Information Centre and the old physiotherapy building (shown on the right below). The latter is due to be removed shortly.

A number of trees were felled to create more open space, but several trees of historical value will remain.

Plans for the park are still undecided. Earlier this year a development design had been approved by Waipa District Council, but this was put on hold when tenders for the job were much more costly than expected. At this stage all further development has been postponed while new ideas are sought and discussed. The most likely outcome would include a small paved area, open grass areas, new trees and the Te Awamutu Walk of Fame.

If you have any ideas for the park, or if you feel you could contribute with funds, sponsorship, materials or labour, please contact us. We make no guarantees, but all ideas and offers will be taken to the appropriate bodies and discussed.

Below: Selwyn Park from the corner of Gorst Ave and Selwyn Lane (the Rose Gardens are on the left, St Johns Church is in the background). The dirt area in the foreground is where the skating rink was situated.