Plans to transform Katikati’s Moore Park skatepark into a larger, family-friendly Youth Park have taken a big leap forward, with two major milestones reached late last year.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC) Reserves and Amenities team signed a Deed of Agreement with the Katikati Community-Led Development (KCLD) Steering Group to develop a new youth park complex beside the existing skatepark on Fairview Rd.

At the same time, fundraising efforts led by KCLD on behalf of local rangatahi (youth) passed the $100,000 mark late-November – with two-thirds gained of the $150,000 needed to complete the initial stage of the project.

Council staff will now begin consulting with immediate neighbours on Fairview Rd who may be affected by the development, before a final design concept is agreed between council and the KCLD Steering Group.

Support for the Youth Park had been building steadily in second half of 2025, said KCLD spokesman John Bothwell.

Funding and backing had come from TECT, Powerco, Hume Growers, the Department of Internal Affairs, WBOPDC via a community board grant, and local service clubs such as Rotary.

Bothwell said the signing of the Deed of Agreement (DOA) marked the start of a new, more public phase of the project.

“Now that the DOA is completed, we can really step up our efforts to seek funding support from local businesses, organisations and families.”

Family-friendly

Bothwell said the main focus was to make the site more family-friendly while staying true to what local young people had asked for. The project was shaped by extensive consultation with a youth leadership group, including two full-day workshops to ensure the park delivered what young people wanted in a recreational space and provided a safe, inclusive environment.

The first stage of construction would centre on creating spaces where families could relax and spend time together, Bothwell said.

A new covered barbecue area, picnic tables and extra seating were planned, along with a new half-court basketball space and sunshade structures over parts of the skate bowl to make the area more usable year-round.

Alongside the existing skatepark, a wish list was developed for additional play features, including equipment for younger youth such as a swing set, a flying fox, slides and climbing structures for different age groups, plus sensory play elements and cargo nets. These additions were intended to create a layered play environment where children and teenagers of different ages can all find something to enjoy, Bothwell said.

The council would provide essential infrastructure including water, power and sewerage connections, and would install a new toilet block to double the current capacity on-site.

Fresh paint

Bothwell said the KCLD Steering Group was also working with Katikati Open Air Art and Tauranga-based mural artist Kalib Wallace on a joint project to bring fresh colour and creativity to the site.

“The skate bowl will be repainted, new mural boards added, and a dedicated graffiti wall created to give young people a legal space to express themselves through street art.”

A new pump track for skaters, scooters and bikes was also being designed. “This will be built as funding allows and is expected to become a major drawcard for local youth once completed.”

Together with the new Sport and Recreation Centre under construction in front of the cricket ground, Moore Park would form a vibrant recreational hub for Katikati’s young people well into the future, Bothwell said.

Sponsorship opportunities

The community was now invited to get behind the project and help bring the full vision to life via sponsorship – whether it’s $50 for a family, $250-500 for a small to medium-sized business, or up to $5000 for a larger corporate.

Sponsorship of specific items of equipment was also an option for those wanting a more tangible connection to the park.

“Every dollar will help,” said Bothwell.

Project updates and details on how to donate or sponsor equipment are available on the KCLD website at: www.KatikatiCLD.nz

Bothwell said this was a chance for the entire Katikati community to stand behind its young people, support their vision “and help create a place where youth can play, connect with friends and feel safe”.