A pump track will be installed at Orangapani Reserve, The Lakes later this week, and will be available for use from next week.

Paul Dunphy, Director of Spaces and Places at Tauranga City Council is pumped about the new amenities that will go in with it.

“To make this reserve more family-friendly, we’ll be installing a picnic table, seating, drinking fountain, bike racks and shade. We’re also going to be putting in a basketball half court.

“When these amenities are installed, I encourage the community to try them out. Who knows, New Zealand’s next Steven Adams (basketball star) and Shania Rawson (BMX rider extraordinaire) could be living just a few doors away from this reserve,” says Paul.

These additions are in response to community feedback about the lack of recreational opportunities for older children, and the need for recreational improvements at the Lakes.

“The Lakes community told us that more recreational opportunities need to be created. So, we’re going to trial a pump track at Orangapani Reserve,” says Paul.

“We’ll monitor use of the pump track from riders and will collect community feedback to help us decide whether the pump track should become a permanent facility at the Lakes.”

The modular pump track comprises of one track, providing 79 metres of riding experience.

“In a recent community survey, we asked where a basketball court could be installed and located in the Lakes. The community told us that Orangapani Reserve is the best location because it’s central and it has lots of open space available,” says Paul.

The basketball court will be a three-on-three sized court, measuring 17 metres by 13 metres.

Both amenities will be built near to the existing playground.

“A community fun day is planned for September at Orangapani Reserve to celebrate these new amenities. Everyone is welcome to attend. More information will be shared with the community in due course,” says Paul.

Works at the reserve are part of the Recreation at the Lakes project and is one of a number of parks projects being delivered in Tauranga. Council recently held a whānau fun day at Kulim Park, and work continues to restore Kopurererua Valley Reserve and create the city’s destination skate park. Council will also be delivering an upgraded playground at Ila Park in Ohauiti, with an opening expected at the end of the year.

For more information about the Recreation at the Lakes project and to stay up to date on progress, visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/thelakes

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