As a mother of young children I would like to say well done to Tauranga City Council and Bay Venues for some of the wonderful facilities for young people and their families in this city.

We attended the opening of the outdoor Memorial Pool on Saturday and the kids spent hours running backwards and forwards across the inflatable obstacle course and enjoying a free sausage on the barbecue. There's a water pistol party coming up next month so we'll be back for sure.

There are also some beautiful parks and playgrounds, including the one on The Strand with the Hairy Maclary statues, Memorial Park and the new one at Yatton Park on Fraser Street.

And then there's our beautiful natural ‘playgrounds' such as Johnson Reserve in Welcome Bay, Mauao, Papamoa Hills and the Daisy Hardwick walkway that council looks after. Great walking tracks and generally kept really tidy.

And not just great for our kids. I'm sure the older members of our community, the dog walkers, the fitness freaks and the nature lovers among us love it too.

K Stewart, Welcome Bay.