Youth Spaces
Project Background:
In 2009, eleven submissions were made by young people participating in the E Oho youth initiative from Western Heights, Fordlands and Koutu regarding lack things to do and places to go within their own communities to the Rotorua District Council’s 2009-19 Ten Year Plan. From these submissions the Council approved the development of four new skate parks and youth friendly spaces within the districts parks and reserves of Western Heights, Fordlands, Koutu and plans for the Eastern Suburbs with a budget totalling $600,000.
Currently these sites are all in close proximity to schools, with existing unmarked sports fields and a children’s playground. These developments will also seek to change the culture of the parks as they are underutilized and perceived by many in the community to be unsafe at night.
Planning for the project commenced in 2009/10. Thorough consultation has been conducted with young people, schools, community groups, and the general community regarding development, equipment and safety in the space through focus groups, public meetings, and surveys.
The Youth Spaces Project aspires to meet some of the sport and recreational needs of young people in their own backyard. Each of these Youth Spaces will be built on existing RDC Parks and Reserves land and will include:
- Skatepark features
- New relocated children’s play area
- Full sized basketball & Netball court
- BMX riding or pump track
- Full sized sports field
- Seating
- Art
- Existing toilet blocks will be utilized if on site.
The Youth Spaces Project will provide a mix of skateable features which also act as seating and social spaces. The key to these public youth parks is flexibility. The Youth Spaces Project is set up to cater for a variety of activities and programs, virtually extending the backyard for all community members to come and play. The design of the space and equipment provided will allow for the evolution of the young persons needs as they grow. It’s pretty exciting!