Current filter:
Hundreds of people headed to Flaxmere Park at the weekend to celebrate the opening of the new Flaxmere Skate Plaza – Te Pae Whīra o Pā Harakeke.
It’s the newest, and biggest, skate plaza in Hastings – its elements and design the result of many community conversations and collaboration with Iwi Toi Kahungunu Artists Collective.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said it was fantastic to see so many children and families at the opening on Saturday, enjoying the new facility.
“This is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the community is part of the project right from the start.
“We spoke to more than 200 skateboarders, scooterers, students, parents and Flaxmere residents to finalise the location and design elements they wanted in the new skate park.
“The design brief was put together by local school children, and was then interpreted by mana whenua artists from the Iwi Toi Kahungunu Artists Collective.
“The result is absolutely stunning – reflecting the local community and environment.”
Nationally renowned skate-plaza designer Rich Smith designed the elements of the skate plaza, with more than 20 ramps, rails, bowls, quarter pipes and jumps spread across 1400 square metres.
Angus McMillan Concrete led the construction of the project, and First Light Community Foundation and Trust House Foundation contributed funding towards the shade sails, plaza art elements and some of the neighbouring playground equipment.
Unison supported the project by sponsoring the lighting in the park, which includes the multi-coloured lighting in the pou, and will help make the facility safe when people are using it at different times.
Relationship manager Danny Gough said the company had supported all three Hastings District Council-owned skateparks.
“These amazing projects align with so many of Unison’s own ideals. As a Hawke’s Bay consumer-owned business, it’s really important that we support our community through initiatives that promote inclusion, engagement and that contribute to active and thriving communities.
“This skatepark does just this, it encourages physical wellbeing and community involvement. This is a community project, built by locals and it’ll be enjoyed by locals for so many years to come.”
More than 1000 plants have been installed around the plaza, which was constructed with 320 cubic metres of concrete, or 80 concrete trucks.
Find more background information about the design inspiration here
19 December 2022
Disclaimers and Copyright
While every endeavour has been taken by the Hastings District Council to ensure that the information on this website is
accurate and up to date, Hastings District Council shall not be liable for any loss suffered through the use, directly or indirectly, of information on this website. Information contained has been assembled in good faith.
Some of the information available in this site is from the New Zealand Public domain and supplied by relevant
government agencies. Hastings District Council cannot accept any liability for its accuracy or content.
Portions of the information and material on this site, including data, pages, documents, online
graphics and images are protected by copyright, unless specifically notified to the contrary. Externally sourced
information or material is copyright to the respective provider.
© Hastings District Council - / +64 6 871 5000 / customerservice@hdc.govt.nz