Second award win for Flaxmere Park

Flaxmere Park has done it again – winning Recreation Aotearoa’s Most Active Park Award 2023.

The award was announced at Recreation Aotearoa’s annual Green Pavlova conference on Wednesday [May 11].

Building on the mahi that saw Flaxmere first win the award in 2020, the submission focused on the addition of more active play elements and the community input that made them happen.

“Adding to the vast range of activities  . . .  it now also boasts a top-of-the line full-size basketball court, a volleyball court, community supplied and maintained boxing bag, and the largest (and arguably the best) skate park in the district,” the submission said.

“It has been a logistical challenge fitting everything the community desires on the park while still leaving heaps of room for picnics, free play and events – but it works!”

It also canvassed, in depth, the strong community consultation that underpinned the design of the new skate park, and the ‘look and feel’ of the art work that makes it different from any other skate facility in the country. As well as being closely involved in the skate elements, youth in particular had a very strong wish that the facility ‘looks like us’.

To fulfil that desire, and on the advice of respected members of the Flaxmere community, Council contracted artist collective Iwi Toi Kahungunu to develop the young people’s ideas and complete the artwork.

Flaxmere councillor Henry Heke said the award recognised the huge efforts put in by the community and Council teams, to make Flaxmere Park “a fantastic facility for all of Flaxmere and the wider district. I’m really looking forward to celebrating this with the community”.

Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said winning the award for a second time, reflected the ongoing partnership between community and Council, and the achievements that come from that close relationship.

“I’m very of proud of everyone involved – at Council we have a very big focus on making our recreational facilities in Flaxmere the best they can be, especially as we increase the number of homes and therefore families moving into Paharakeke.”

12 May 2023

Back to Archive