Whangamata Community Board Chair Ken Coulam welcomed and thanked the community and businesses for their support. Meanwhile Matua George Kiwara and Terry Sorenson both blessed the reopened Park.

The evening continued with wonderful entertainment thanks to Whangamata Area School who provided school bands and kapa haka performers that were amazing and showcased the talent we have in Whangamata.

"We are grateful for Blackies and the Whangamata Surf Club for opening to support the event, and a big thank you to the contractors for all the hard work to ensure Williamson Park was ready for summer; Surge Electrical, EPL, Pinnacles Civil, Koru Landscaping, Boof Bolland, and Pitcher Electrical," says our Whangamata Area Manager Garry Towler.

Ultimately, a huge thank-you to the Whangamata community for supporting the project and we hope you enjoy Williamson Park this summer. We have completed as much as possible to ensure it was ready for summer, however it is still a work in progress and work continue in autumn.

"I myself had a huge smile on my face the entire afternoon and it was great to meet the new Mayor Sandra Goudie," Whangamata Summer Festival co-organiser, Renee Meiklejohn, says.

Over the past 10 years the use of Williamson Park has grown substantially providing a platform for a significant number of events over the Christmas period and into the shoulder months.
The well-loved park has been rejuvenated by the following:

· Removing up to 100 of the old pine trees

· Planting native coastal trees throughout the park.

· Building a new boardwalk along the dunes in front of the Surf Club area

· Building three large shade structures while new trees grow

· Realigning the road to create more open space

· Redesigning car parking for ease and safety

· Opening new pedestrian areas and improving access to the beach.

· Installing new lights for added security.

· Williamson Park was gifted to the Thames County Council on 11 June 1929 by the Williamson family.

In the terms of the transfer it stated that the park is to be used for the recreation of the general public and that it is never to be allowed to become a commercial or residential area.

As part of the condition of transfer it was suggested that a limited amount of trading be allowed on the park grounds, with the suggestion of a small building to be erected to sell refreshments and offer surfboard hire.

Click here to read more of the Williamson Park redevelopment.

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