New skate park designs address public feedback

Designs for two new skate parks in Halswell have been revised based on public feedback and the final plans will be presented to the local community board next month.

The Riccarton-Wigram Community Board agreed last year to build two new skate parks for Halswell; one in the new Knights Stream subdivision and another in the Halswell Domain near an existing playground.

Revised design for the Knights Stream skate park.

A skateboarding area was first proposed for the fast-growing suburb in December 2008. At present, the nearest skate parks are in Prebbleton or Hoon Hay.

The parks are expected to cost about $385,000 each to plan and develop. Halswell Domain is funded through the Council's Capital Programme with Knights Stream Sports Park being paid for through Reserve Contributions as part of the subdivision.

The Council received 147 submissions during the public consultation period on the actual design. For Halswell Domain, 104 – about three-quarters of submitters - generally supported the concept plan and 29 (20 per cent) were opposed. For Knights Stream, 104 (72 per cent) were supportive and 21 (14 per cent) did not support the concept plan.

 As a result of the feedback, changes have been made to the original plans to address the concerns and suggestions raised.

 A small quarter pipe in the Halswell Domain that some submitters were worried could create noise issues as skateboards or scooters landed on the concrete has been redesigned with a roll-over and larger quarter pipe instead.  This will still allow a lead in to the pump track and prevent the use of the quarter pipe as a jump.

 The new plan for Halswell Domain includes one additional shelter and an extra picnic table. Rock stepping stones and seating have been relocated and rearranged to allow for better flow into the skate area, more open space and to allow space for the shelter

 At Knights Stream, a pergola has been changed to a solid shelter to provide better shade.

 Council Parks Recreation Planner Megan Carpenter said there was often a public perception that noise and anti-social behaviour are associated with skate parks, but this could be mitigated by good environmental design.

 “We’re creating spaces that are well integrated with the landscape and existing facilities and have open spaces that will attract families."

The revised plans will be presented to the Riccarton-Wigram Community Board for approval at a meeting in mid-June. If the designs are approved, construction on both parks is expected to begin in September or October 2017 and should be completed by Christmas.