Plan view of the proposal Bedford Reserve and The Cage. Photo supplied.
Kids from the East Porirua area are taking charge to create the perfect outdoor recreational space in Cannons Creek.
The East Porirua project by Porirua City Council and Partners Porirua is designed to get their young people involved.
Educational partnership facilitator Rachel Scott says the idea came from the council as part of its strategic plan to allow young people to have a say.
“They really wanted kids and young people to have a say in how their city looks, feels and what’s important to them so this is their way of putting their words into action,” she says.
Detailed planning of the recreational space.
The new recreational area will include a new playground, BBQ, Sand volleyball court, stage, murals, carvings, seating/tables, skating area, replanting and an upgrade of an existing basketball court also known as “the cage”.
Mrs Scott says Cannons Creek was picked solely by the kids and their families because it ticked all the boxes.
“They really wanted a whanau area, a place for the whole family to hang out and it was safe,” says Mrs Scott.
The project is a great way to pull together a community, according to Mrs Scott.
“There’s also going to be little projects along the way,” she says.
Students from the Eastern Porirua schools area have also volunteered to join in to give a helping hand.
“Lots of different schools are having different projects that go along with it.”
Mrs Scott says the project is more than just about a place for families to hang out, but also about fixing up the area as it has been left abandoned long enough.
“It’s about beautifying the area but kind of tying it altogether so all of Cannons Creek can access it, have fun and enjoy their space,” she says.
Earthwork consultation on the site is expected to begin early next year, with the construction of the project to take place in term one.
The whole project is set to be completed over the next two to three years with many school and local groups contributing to the final outcome.
