Council invests in Marlborough’s skateparks
Blenheim Skatepark will be brightened up thanks to funding from Council’s Long Term Plan
Council has approved $72,000 for upgrades to Blenheim Skate Park following a submission to the Long Term Plan 2024-34.
Parks and Open Spaces Manager Jane Tito said a local group, Skate Marlborough, made the submission seeking several improvements to the skate park, including murals, shade and lighting.
“In 2017, Council funded $60,000 of improvements at the park, including new bowls and jumps. This is a well-used facility and further improvements will make it an even more attractive space, particularly for young people,” she said. “Murals will add colour while lighting and shade will improve usability and safety.”
The budget includes $8,000 for murals, $24,000 for shade and $40,000 for lighting. The funding comes from Council’s Land Subdivision Reserve.
The decision comes after upgrades to Picton skatepark at Auckland Street reserve and youth space.
Members of local skating communities formed Skate Marlborough which is part of the Blenheim Lions group, and has held a number of activities, demonstrating positive growth.
Parks and Open Spaces Officer Grahame Smail said the Picton redevelopment had taken place as budget and consultation allowed over the past few years.
Key aspects included a three-on-three basketball court, a volleyball court, a multi-goal skills practice area and new skate ramp structures to complement a range of smaller, moveable and fixed steel ‘skate trick jumps’, alongside seating, picnic tables, lighting and drinking fountains.
Natural surveillance had also been improved with the removal of vegetation.
The park now had a good range of skating opportunities and it is more usable and the envy of skaters in other districts, Grahame said.
“It will likely attract visits from the wider Top of the South skating community, who may have previously bypassed Picton on their skating days out.
“Early development of the skate park was strongly supported through the Picton Lions Club, and it is important to acknowledge the work they originally undertook. We extend our thanks to them,” he said.
