Meeting Calls for Kihikihi Skate Park Site
The meeting was chaired by Laurie Hoverd of the Kihikihi Skateboard Park Committee. Mr Hoverd began by summarising the committee's 2 1/2 year history of trying to find a suitable location. Six potential sites were originally suggested in 2000, with the area behind the Kihikihi Town Hall being chosen as the preferred option. Despite initial approval by the Waipa District Council, a report subsequently described the location as being of potential strategic value and Council asked the committee to investigate alternative locations. The Skate Park Committee went back to the drawing board and investigated numerous sites, two of which were identified as candidates - one on Bryce Street and one on the Grey Street reserve. At tonight's meeting Mr Hoverd outlined the pros and cons of these locations, including some objections from local residents. After much discussion, the consensus from the meeting was that the only suitable location was still the area behind the Town Hall. Some questions put forward by attendees included:
The general feeling of the meeting was that the community wanted this site and sees the skate park as being a more beneficial use of the land than waiting to see if there may be some other use for it. A motion was passed that this recommendation be taken to Council. It is likely to be at least August before this item appears on Council's agenda. Update August 2003: As a result of this meeting Council has approved in principle the use of the Town Hall location for a skate park. |
A public meeting was held this evening at the Kihikihi Town Hall to discuss potential sites for a Kihikihi skate park.