Taramea Bay's redevelopment opened to public
Southland District Council community partnership leader Stella O’Connor said the new playground is the latest phase of the Taramea Bay development plan.
The newly developed Riverton Aparima playground was opened for public use this week.
It’s the next step in the redevelopment of Taramea Bay, following the opening of the new amenities block in September.
As well, Tunatuna, Southland’s pop-up portable pump track, has been installed near the playground, where it will be located for the summer months.
Southland District Council community partnership leader Stella O’Connor said the new playground is the latest phase of the Taramea Bay development plan.
“We are excited to have Tunatuna in place at the same time as the playground being ready to use. We’ll be able to track the use of the pump track for further insights when we look into the next stage of development aimed at older children/youth age group.”
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Cycling Southland general manager Nic Keast said: “We are thrilled that Tunatuna will become part of the Riverton landscape over the summer months. This has been a wonderful opportunity to work collaboratively with Southland District Council to bring the track as part of an activation of a brand-new playground for Riverton and surrounding district to enjoy.”
It is hoped that the new playground will become a major attraction for Riverton locals and visitors.
The final design of the area was developed incorporating community feedback. Plans were reviewed by children and parents from Riverton Primary School. This will be repeated for the next stage when the council will engage with older children to find out what they want in their area.
Oraka Aparima Community Board chair Michael Weusten had just visited the area and said the temporary pump track at Taramea Bay looked awesome.
“Young and old will surely enjoy over the next three months. A great new amenity to compliment the just completed playground. Well done all.”
Local group Menshed and volunteers from Riverton are donating their time to restore the old macrocarpa log artwork in the area.
Council project manager Rowena Owens said; “It’s great to see the concept on paper come to life, and this is only the beginning. Doing staged approaches means that the community can have their say through consultation to further develop this area.
“The pirate ship has been refurbished and the new equipment has been well thought out with the exposed coastal environment, the high water table, sandy soil conditions, UV aging and the overall whole of life costs. Consultation for stage two will be happening in the new year.”
Future stages include a youth-oriented zone, riparian planting, track connections, and an upgrade of the carpark.
Plans for an official opening are being arranged for the coming months.