Construction of Tauranga's first destination skate park is to begin early this year with an expected completion date of April 2024.

The skate park came a step closer to reality mid-December when it was announced two significant community grants had contributed to an exciting design.

Enabling works – including fencing, water supply, and power installation – will be happening on-site through to February.

New Zealand skate designer Richard Smith from Rich Landscapes has worked with Tauranga City Council and a community design group to design a skate park that meets the needs of the city's different skate user groups.

TECT has granted $1,023,000 and New Zealand Community Trust has granted $459,370 to the project so far. Read more here.

Tauranga City Council spaces and places project outcomes manager, Amanda Davies, says the technical design of the skate park offers something for all ages and abilities.

'The key features will allow for progression of skating abilities as well as catering for different roller modes. Stand out features of the skate park will include a flow bowl, a surf/skate ditch, competition style stairs and a street skate area.

'The park will also provide a cohesive and quality environment that encourages users and their friends and whānau to stay and enjoy the public open space. Seating and BBQ areas will be included to take advantage of the best vantage points to watch the activity at the skate park.”

Amanda says the skate park will provide an inclusive and accessible facility for Tauranga that attracts a wide range of demographics, gender and backgrounds.

'It will encourage users to be active, creative and have fun in a suitable outdoor environment. The support and funding of the project by TECT and NZCT has been vital as it will enable us to make a positive contribution to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of our community.”

The new destination skatepark is on the corner of Hull Rd and Maunganui Rd in Mount Maunganui.

More information on the project is at: www.tauranga.govt.nz/skate