Revitalisation work to start in Kerikeri Domain

Demolition of Kerikeri Domain’s popular skate park and basketball court is due to begin, but fans of the amenities are being urged to be patient with new, much improved replacements due to be completed by February. Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board member Lane Ayr and Chair of the Kerikeri Domain Working Group says the work represents a major milestone in the revitalisation of the domain. “I know many young people may be horrified at the loss of these facilities, even temporarily. However, the new skate park and basketball courts we have planned will be a step up from what they have now.”  

He says the plans for the first phase of development were finalised following community engagement earlier this year.  “We are very fortunate to have a large green space at the heart of our town and there was huge interest in how plans for the domain were evolving.  That input will help us support the diverse recreational needs of our growing community for years to come.”

Resource consents are now in place for the first phase of works and demolition of the skate park and basketball court will begin in mid-August with full construction from September to early 2022.  This will involve removing part of the perimeter pathway to make way for the new skate park and basketball courts. Plans for a new perimeter pathway and landscaping have been designed by local firm Hawthorn Landscape Architects.  Other works to get underway include the construction of the play space, exercise area, shared path, shade areas, as well as improved vehicle access, landscaping and lighting. 

Mr Ayr says the domain will remain open to the public, rugby league, and twilight cricket but restrictions will be in place around the construction sites. “We will do our best to maintain access for booked activities during construction and will provide advance notice if this changes.  Kerikeri Domain is a popular resource and we appreciate the community’s patience during the coming months.”

The Council is funding this phase of works with $3 million it received from the Government’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to deliver short and medium-term priority projects identified in the Kerikeri Domain Reserve Management Plan.  Longer term plans over the next 10 years will be developed as funding becomes available. The Kerikeri Domain Reserve Management Plan is available here.