LOOK AFTER THE PLACE WE LOVE: SKATEPARK VANDALISM DISAPPOINTING

TAUPŌ SKATEPARK WILL soon be a safer and more skateable facility thanks to some important upgrades, but only if contractors can have the time and space they need to do their jobs.

Taupō District Council has closed the skatepark for repairs that will ensure a smoother ride and improve accessibility by fixing up cracks in the concrete surface and blowouts around the steel edges. They are also improving the drainage, thoroughly cleaning the dirt and grime off the concrete, and acid-washing the whole park to improve traction for users.

Council parks manager town centres Julie Gordon says the work is being held up because, during the last few weeks, people have been jumping the fence at night and vandalising the skatepark.

“Our contractors are finding urine in the bowls, pre-work for the following day destroyed, and broken bottles all over the skatepark. “The broken bottles are a huge concern as the team are working on their hands and knees to carry out the work required,” she says.

“It’s a real shame that these vandals feel the need to delay what is a really positive project. It just means the upgrade will take longer as we have to spend time cleaning up their mess. It also means we have to look at hiring security, which adds to the cost of the project.”

The upgrade is aimed at improving the overall user experience at the Taupō Skatepark, making sure it remains a valuable asset long into the future.

In an effort to allow passionate skaters the opportunity to continue skating while this work is done, a small pop-up skatepark has been set up at the former St John site on the corner of Ruapehu and Pāora Hapi Streets.

“It’s not a full skatepark, there are some small skatable elements there, but we hope the pop-up site gives people an opportunity to get out and be active in the short term. We are really grateful to all those skaters who are being patient while we complete these upgrades,” Mrs Gordon says.

The Taupō Skatepark upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-December.

The finishing touches are being put on the Taupō Skatepark upgrade, which would have been completed sooner if not for regular vandalism.