Combined Ōakura Sports Park and wetland development
- Project typeImprovement
- Project valueEstimated $2 million
- Project schedule2025 to December 2027
An $850,000 windfall from the Government’s Better Off Funding for wetland enhancement and drainage, along with $164,000 from the Lotteries Commission for a playground will speed up two major projects for the Ōakura community.
For several years, the Whangaruru Coastal Community and Sports Association (WCCSA) and Whangaruru Coastal Ratepayers Association (WCRA) have been fundraising and working with Council to plan two projects in Ōakura – the Ōakura Sports Park development and the Ōakura wetland enhancement project.
The work was to be phased over Years 1 to 2 of the 2024-34 Long Term Plan, finishing in 2027 / 2028.
Master plan
The high-level concept for the Ōakura Sports Park included a playground, two multi-courts, extending the existing field to create two fields, adding lights and a large parking area.
The wetlands beside the sports club were to be enhanced to make the most of stormwater management in the area and included naturalised wetlands, forest wetlands and a community plant nursery.
Combined into one
Following the funding boosts, Council’s budgets have been shifted forward a year, meaning the projects will be combined into one and completed in 2027.
Change to plans
There will be some significant change to the original plans.
Instead of two new fields, a single new field with lights will be developed where the existing field is, and it will be rotated to allow a second field to be developed beside it in future.
The second multi-court will be included if budget allows.
Councillors approved bringing the $613,206 budgeted for Year 3 (2026 / 2027) and the $836,380 budgeted for Year 4 (2027 / 2028) of the Long Term Plan to Years 2 and 3.
Location
Wharua Road, Ōakura 0184 View Map
-35.39121933013196, 174.33801022699075
Wharua Road ,
Ōakura 0184
Wharua Road ,
Ōakura 0184
Combined Ōakura Sports Park and wetland development