Hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the official opening of the Keri Downs pump track.
Papakura Local Board Acting Chair Jan Robinson says the pump track will be a much-used amenity for the Red Hill community, and for visitors from across the rohe.
“It’s fantastic to see so many families out enjoying the facility. It’s a huge upgrade on the old BMX track, which was nearby, and which was also subject to vandalism and unsocial behaviour.
“We’ve now got a first-rate facility that everyone can use, from the little ones learning to ride and needing somewhere nice and safe to build their confidence, to more experienced riders looking for a bit of fun on the track.”
It’s the second local board upgrade in the area, with the run-down skate bowl just a few hundred metres away having been replaced by basketball half-courts.
A concept plan for the park was adopted in 2019, but COVID-19 delayed progress.
The skate bowl was in a poor state and was not well-used by the community.
“When we put forward a proposal to remove it and install basketball courts, the local community was very enthusiastic about the idea, and adding the pump track just makes the area even better,” Robinson says.
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 now the pump track.
“Our population continues to grow quickly. Kainga Ora has plans to build new houses near the park and that will increase demand for recreational facilities,” Robinson says.
“By working with the community we’ve been able to provide something that will bring more life to the area and encourage families to use the park more.”
