Kids will have new play space
Marfell Park’s regeneration has begun with new play equipment, a half-sized basketball court and a flying fox.
The area will be officially opened on Friday, November 3 and marks the first milestone in transforming the park.
It will also include improvements to the track through the park between Marfell Community School and Cook St to encourage walking and cycling.
The open space was created in consultation with community groups and Marfell residents, who got to vote on their preference for the new play equipment, NPDC Group Manager Strategy Liam Hodgetts said.
It was created on the site of two former Housing New Zealand homes, including one damaged by fire, that were scheduled for removal or demolition. NPDC bought the homes in 2016 to create a welcoming new entrance to Marfell Park.
Hodgetts said NPDC was also starting a discussion with the community on the future of the BMX track, which has been unused since 2016.
‘‘We’re considering two options for the site. They are an asphalt pump track or clearing the BMX track and returning the site to grass. However, we want to hear what the community says before we go ahead.’’
Community Constable Nelson Pulotu helped organise the community consultation with the basketball court and arranged funding from the youth programme charity the North Taranaki Blue Light Ventures Trust and the Marfell Community Trust for the basketball hoops.
‘‘A lot of the dramas with Marfell youth have a lot to do with a lack of facilities, but now we have one of the best sets of outdoor hoops in the New Plymouth district. It’s great that NPDC is doing something for the locals and we want to encourage positive use of this facility and the playground.’’
The project also includes a new home for Rangimarie Maori Arts and Crafts Society after NPDC approved a concessional land lease for a site just below the BMX track.