Upgrade on the way for Keri Downs

The skate bowl at Papakura’s Keri Downs Park is to be removed and replaced with two half basketball courts as part of a major redevelopment of the suburban site.

Papakura Local Board has allocated $260,000 to the project, requesting council staff take it to the detailed design and construction stages.

Board chair Brent Catchpole says a concept plan for the park that used the area for youth play was adopted in 2019.

“The skate bowl is in a pretty poor state, is underutilised by the community and has become a location for undesirable behavior.

“Last year staff put forward a proposal to remove it and install two half basketball courts, something that was widely supported in consultation feedback.

“The courts will be visible from the road and will provide an attractive new space for the local community.

Keri Downs Park at Dominion Road is about 7.5 hectares and features, passive recreation and large areas of open space, as well as the skate bowl, a changing block and a BMX track that is hidden from view and not well-used.

“The new courts will hopefully bring a bit of life back to the area,” Catchpole says.

“Our population continues to grow much more quickly than across the rest of Auckland. Kainga Ora has plans to build new houses near the park and that will increase demand for recreational facilities.”

There have been issues with vandalism at the park, graffiti and broken glass spread around the bowl and into a drain.

Blocked drains have also caused ponding inside the bowl and the park has become known as a spot for motor bikes, which damage the sports field turf.

“Providing something that will see more life in the area will encourage the community to use the park, giving more passive surveillance.

“Basketball is also popular at Ray Small Park, home to Papakura’s other skate bowl, and providing courts at Keri Downs means locals will not have to travel far to play.”

The project scope includes the two courts, a drinking fountain, bench seats and picnic tables, a rubbish bin, planting trees to provide natural shade, and connections to existing pathways.