Click the image above to view slideshow

With community vision, sustainability and unique recreation at heart, a group of skate boarding enthusiasts are bringing a one-of-a-kind facility to Omokoroa.

The Omokoroa Community Skate Group, in partnership with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, is busy working to create an environmentally sustainable skate path for the community in what is a first for the region.

Images from the current concept plan for the Omokoroa Skate Path project. Photos: Rich Landscapes.

The Omokoroa Skate Path, to be located on the corner of Western Avenue and Omokoroa Road, is the first stage of a comprehensive development at the Omokoroa Sports Grounds.

OCSG member Ben Bell says after years of community-wide talk of a skate facility, the concept of a skate path rose from children of Omokoroa, who suggested as part of the redevelopment of the sports grounds, Council look further than a standard skate park.

'We wanted to do something different,” says Ben, 'but also something that would tie in with our environmental and community goals.

'As well as providing a destination for skaters and other riders, the vision is to create a facility that will enhance recreational opportunities for all ages, is family focused and will contribute to the already beautiful environment of Omokoroa.”

The Skate Path will be part of a wider design, including a future playground and picnicking spaces to help bring people together in an active and safe environment.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council and the Omokoroa Community Board have contributed the majority of funding for the path, and the group are seeking the remaining funds through community grants.

As the project progresses, council will fund the surrounding landscaping.

An initial design has been created by Rich Landscapes designer Richard Smith, who says environmental factors were applied heavily to the design process.

'The path will feature natural drainage elements to mitigate water runoff,” says Richard. 'Runoff will make use of the large lawn area and allow natural seepage into the soil, while potential garden areas in the playground will maximise education and play.”

Added flat slab construction will also help to reduce levels of concrete input, minimising C02 production in the construction process.

The Skate Path's design takes advantage of the sloping terrain to create a more one-way facility, where the users flow from the top to the bottom of the site. Access to the top will be through a link path circulating the future picnic and playground area.

Richard says new play features have also been included to provide a point of difference to other facilities in the Western Bay.

For more information on the skate path's design, visit: www.skateomokoroa.org.nz