They were there at the turning of the first sod on Omokoroa's skate path in the pouring rain, and they've been peeking through the fences checking on the progress ever since.

But today, the Omokoroa community can test out the new skate path at the grand opening at Omokoroa Sports Grounds.

Isabel Peers, 7 (left), Lucy Penellum, 9, Ryan Jenkins, 10 and Sam Carwright, 13, look on in anticipation. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

The $230,000 project began four-and-a-half years ago, when the skate park made it to Western Bay of Plenty District Council's proposed district plan and possible locations were put to community consultation.

In 2014, Omokoroa Point School pupils and principal Vicki Knell presented the plan to WBOPDC, crossing their fingers for approval and allocated funding.

WBOPDC granted $50,000 and Omokoroa Community Board matched the funding with another $50,000.

The Omokoroa Community Skate Group was then formed to further develop the project.

Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust donated $50,000 to the project, with BayTrust gifting $10,000 and NZ Community Trust giving $20,000.

'Many Omokoroa businesses and families have donated time, sponsored skate tricks and purchased name plaques all to help make the dream of a one-of-a-kind skate facility in their own backyard,” says Omokoroa community skate group chairperson Erin Cartwright.

Bingo nights, a fun run, sausage sizzles, raffles and door knocking also contributed to stage one costs and stage two which is nearing completion.

'We have a final push to raise the last $20,000 for the return path and picnic areas,” says Erin.

Rich Landscapes was employed to design the project, with J Stone Skateparks contracted to construct the 188m path.

'Richard Smith was so enthusiastic about our project, he knew exactly what the community was after and his design was spot on,” says Erin.

'[The] J Stones team is excited to be the first skaters to test the tricks for us in a demonstration on opening day.”

Erin says the community is excited to see and skate the new pathway. 'We regularly see children peering through the fences checking on the progress.”

As the area grows, so does the need for recreational facilities for all ages, says Erin.

'We wanted an engaging outside facility, which could be used by young and old with varying challenges for the levels of abilities and a place for skateboards, scooters, bikes, and mobility scooters could all have a go.”

And today, they can celebrate their hard work at the grand opening from 2pm-4pm.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Ross Paterson will cut the ribbon before a demonstration from J Stone Skateparks.

A sausage sizzle, coffee cart, face painting and raffles will on offer too.