Teens pull together
Youth from the skate park have come forward with more than $ 4000 to go towards the completion of the park’s upgrade.
Over the last few months, the young people have raised the money through sausage sizzles, raffles and collecting scrap metal.
A skate competition held last Christmas and a collection at the funeral of teenager Zak Lang helped take the total to $4320.
Some of the money will help fund a plaque in memory of Zak.
Youth co-ordinator Jono Bay said a lot of pressure had been put on youth to help fund the skate park and they had worked hard to make it happen.
‘‘Everyone’s really stoked,’’ he said. ‘‘To raise over four thousand is pretty awesome.’’
Matamata-Piako District Council committed $50,000 to the project with a further $20,000 coming from Matamata Rotary and $10,000 from private sponsorship.
Rotary president Graeme Guilford was impressed with the level of commitment the skate park users had shown.
‘‘A lot of time and hard work has gone into raising that money,’’ he said.
‘‘ It’s great to see them get involved and take ownership because they are the ones that use it,’’ Mr Guilford said.
Many people had shown support for the upgrade, including Zak Lang’s family, Rotary, Matamata Lions, New World, Count- down, Starfish, Matamata Youth United, and Ross and Jono Bay.
The new extension was expected to open on October 6.