|
Skate Park proposal - 3 June 2009 |
Youngest-ever submitter to the Council wants a skate park
Jack Harvey, aged 9, from National Park School believes that the Ruapehu District Council should provide outdoor activities for the children of National Park Village by creating a skateboard park on the site of a disused tennis court.
Jack pointed out that there are skateboard parks in Taumarunui and Ohakune, but not National Park.
He also said that there is only one place for children to play in National Park – on the playground at the school “and that is only for little kids”.
In preparation for making his submission to the District’s Long Term Plan, Jack prepared a full summary of the needs of the older children at National Park School; he conducted a petition and sought responses from children, parents, residents and visitors and provided councillors with a proposal including information about the proposed site for a skateboard park.
“There are no Council reserves, playgrounds or facilities in the Village that we have access to and I think it is important that National Park residents get a fair share of Council rates that are put aside for these sorts of facilities,” Jack told councillors at the hearing in Taumarunui last Wednesday.
“I really hope you can get this organised before I am too old and grey to ride a skateboard,” he said, after thanking councillors for the chance to speak.
Jack received a round of applause from the Councillors and Council Staff who were present at the hearing. Mayor Sue Morris commented on the confidence shown in Jack’s presentation and expressed the view that she hope more young people might involve themselves in workings of the Council.
Council met on Friday to consider submissions, including whether or not the National Park children will get their wish.
In a report to councillors, staff said that the Ward Street tennis courts are on land previously owned by Railways and that Council does not have any suitable land for a skate park.
“However, (Council) would be happy to work with any community group that wishes to develop one,” the report recommended, adding that Council would like to meet with Jack and his group, along with others, and local councillor Murray Wilson to discuss options.
Jack Harvey (second from the right) with (from the right) Jannine Harvey, Terry Hemmingsen – principal at National Park School, Keanu Midgley and Scott Harvey; during the submission hearing at the RDC Council Chambers in Taumarunui, last Wednesday. Photo supplied.
Ruapehu Bulletin ~ 3 June 2009
|
