Queenstown skatepark celebration

The Queenstown Lakes District Council is gearing up to celebrate the newest skatepark addition for the district’s skating fraternity.

Construction of the park commenced in February with completion of the plaza in June and the bowl in November.

“We can’t wait to cut the ribbon on the brand new Queenstown Gardens skatepark and I think there will be some delighted skate boarders out there who will take absolute pleasure in joining us at the official opening,’ QLDC project manager Russell Engelke said.

In particular the council wanted to use the opening to acknowledge the driving force of the local club, Wakatipu Skateboarders Incorporated and the many sponsors that added to the council’s $310,000 contribution to complete the facility.

The completed park included a skate plaza featuring banks, ledges, gaps, rails and other ‘urban’ features and a bowl with three different sections ranging from 6-10 feet.

There was also seating, a drinking fountain, lighting, a water feature and landscaping. In short the facility has been already receiving rave reviews,’ Mr Engelke said not least from the delighted local club.

“The overwhelming majority of feedback from professional skaters, wide-eyed primary schoolers, hard to please teenagers, critical skateboarders and concerned parents has been one of amazement,” WSI spokesman Craig Strong said. He agreed the reviews had been positive and encouraging.

QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes would officiate at the opening which would include demonstration skateboarding, a celebration of sponsors, music, food and free giveaways.

The celebration would take place from 11am-1pm on Sunday 7 December.

“We’d love to see a big turn-out from our community to help us celebrate the new park in style,” Mr Engelke said.

The council also extended a vote of thanks to: Central Lakes Trust, The Community Trust of Southland, The Caversham Foundation, The Bill Torrance Charitable Trust, Nzone, Parklife at the Remarkables; Kiri Mains (and her sister); Wakatipu Skateboarders Incorporated, www.queenstown.com, Dick Schulze and AJ Hackett Bungy.

ENDS

For further information please contact Russell Engelke 03 441 0499