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Community support and donations for a new $440,000 pump track at Matakana’s Diamond Jubilee Park are currently being sought, though a generous local donor has already agreed to fund up to half the cost.
Matakana Community Group (MCG) said the fundraising campaign had been given a huge kick-start by an anonymous local philanthropist, who had agreed to match every donation up to $220,000.
The group has been pushing to install a pump track – a looping, up-and-down tar-sealed track for bikes and scooters – for at least six years, to provide a much-needed play and fitness facility for all ages.
At present, Matakana has just one playground, which is near the wharf and only for younger children.
The pump track is planned for the rear of a large piece of open land behind Matakana Tennis Club, and there are also plans to install a footpath leading to it from the carpark.
Specialist pump track provider Empire of Dirt has come up with a design and the community group is hoping work can start in November, subject to local board and council approvals.
In the meantime, the community group has distributed a flier online and via Matakana School seeking support from parents and families.
“It will be an exhilarating recreational facility for all ages and a great addition for the children of the area, as there are currently minimal community recreational facilities in the village for children,” a spokesperson said.
As well as asking people to register their support with Auckland Council, the group is also looking for donations.
A large proportion of Diamond Jubilee Park is leased to Matakana Pony Club, which has a licence to occupy the land south of the tennis courts, although not exclusively – the whole park is open to the public. The club surrendered its licence to occupy the land behind the tennis courts in 2020.
Some members have expressed concerns that a pump track and a pony club in the same park will be incompatible and could even be dangerous.
However, the project has solid support from council, since it aligns with its current focus on providing better play facilities, especially for older children, and on “wheeled play” throughout the Rodney region.
Head of specialist operations Martin van Jaarsveld confirmed that council supported the MCG project, but stressed that staff would be talking with all park users throughout the investigation and delivery process.
“We accept that the needs of other park users must also be carefully accommodated in future planning,” he said. “We are committed to working with all parties involved to determine the best outcome.
“The concept of a pump track responds well to meet the needs of young people in the area, by providing a new outdoor recreational space for them to enjoy. It also aligns with the Rodney Local Parks Management Plan.”
Van Jaarsveld added that the although the project would be funded and delivered by the community, there would council oversight throughout. The next step will be for MCG to ask the Rodney Local Board for formal landowner approval.
