Whakatū water treatment facility and upgraded playground complete

A major milestone has been reached with the last of the small community drinking water upgrades now complete – and the upgrade of a local park at the same time.

Ngaruroro Ave Reserve was the site of a special celebration for the Whakatū community last weekend with the unveiling of the finished Whakatū water reservoir and treatment facility and also a newly upgraded playground.

The community came together with councillors, council staff and contractors last weekend to celebrate both developments that had involved many discussions with the community to get the best result possible.

Resident Sarah Greening said the new playground was going down well with the local kids who were already using it a lot since it was opened.

“The kids are happy with the new double flying fox, especially the younger ones, and families have been using the barbecue – it was great to have it done before Christmas.”

The occasion also marked the final of the seven community drinking water supplies in the Hastings District Council’s drinking water upgrade programme being completed.

The facilities at Waimārama, Haumoana/Te Awanga, Clive, Te Pōhue, Whirinaki/Esk are already up and running, Waipātiki is in the final stages of production testing, and Whakatū’s will be turned on once it has gone through the testing and commissioning process early in the new year.

Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said the drinking water upgrades had been a major investment, but one which would ensure safe drinking water across the city and small community supplies.

“It’s a huge milestone to have the small community drinking water upgrades now complete, and very exciting to be able to coincide this with a wonderfully upgraded playground.

“The tamariki loved playing on the new equipment, and I hope the community enjoys it for years to come.

“My thanks to the community members who have worked with our teams to bring this to fruition.”

Based on feedback from the community the playground design includes a new half-basketball court, a new shelter with barbecue and picnic tables, an extra swing, climbing activities and a double flying fox.

There’s also been new paths installed to improve access into the reserve, seating added and landscaping carried out.

29 September 2023

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