From more accessible carparks and upgraded toilet facilities, to a cricket pitch and training nets and an outdoor gym - residents from throughout the district have told Waitomo District Council what they would like to see at Centennial Park in Te Kūiti.

Council sought community feedback late last year and earlier this year, which is now being used to influence the design of a concept plan that will form a roadmap for possible future enhancements and upgrades at Centennial Park.

The development of the plan is being paid for by Central Government’s Three Waters ‘Better Off’ fund. The initial premise of the fund was to be spent on community focused projects that could enhance our communities.

Between November 2023 and March 2024, Council received feedback from the public, park users, local residents, and sports clubs.

Chief Executive Ben Smit says it was important people who used the park, local residents, and sports clubs had a say on how they envisioned the future of Centennial Park.

“We wanted to know how the park was being utilised now, whether it fits the needs of the community, and if there are any possible improvements required to ensure it will meet community needs in the future,” he says.

“We appreciate those who took the time to have their say. We won’t be able to implement all of these ideas into the concept design but will work through what can be done in the future, and what the priority needs are for now.”

Council has also been successful in securing a $250,000 grant from Grassroots Trust, specifically for the use of upgrading the grandstand, the ground floor changing rooms and toilets.

“Our Centennial Park concept plans are now in development with the designer. Once these are ready, we’ll come back to our community for further consultation on the proposed designs,” says Ben.