Marlborough council approves $72k upgrade to Blenheim Skate Park

RNZ News

2 days ago

Kira Carrington, Local Democracy Reporter
Mayor Nadine Taylor says better shading and lighting at Blenheim Skate Park is a matter of safety.
Photo:
Marlborough Express / LDR
New lighting, shade and a mural is on the way for Blenheim Skate Park.
The Marlborough District Council has approved $72,000 for the upgrades, which were requested by the recently established Skate Marlborough organisation in the 2024 Long Term Plan.
The lighting improvements would allow skaters to safely use the park after dark, and shading, including two cantilever umbrellas, would help the skaters through hot Marlborough summers.
Mayor Nadine Taylor supported the request, saying that shading and lighting were safety precautions.
"Light and shade, they're not nice-to-haves, they're safety improvements," Taylor said.
Photo:
"They also improve the usability of the space so we get the double benefits."
Funding for the upgrades would come from the council's $1.5m Land Subdivision Reserve, a levy charged to property developers for increased use of parks and open spaces.
Councillor David Croad said the skate park improvements would provide a more welcoming space for young people.
"We've got three items that are there to be funded... It's a modest amount of money that comes out of reserves," Croad said.
"We often hear about there needing to be more for youth to do.
"I'm really happy people continue to ask for vibrancy and colour in our community and what better place to put it, in a place like this?
Council will work with Skate Marlborough when they review the Skatepark's equipment in 2026.
Photo:
Aimee Payne/ Skate Marlborough
"The recent upgrade in Picton, I get down here a lot and it is always in high, high use."
In 2024, the Picton Skate Park on Auckland St received upgrades, including a new halfpipe and grind boxes.
Skate Marlborough, in its submission to council, said the Picton upgrades had transformed the space into a "thriving hub for skaters of all ages and skill levels".
"The recent upgrades ... have proven that when you invest in quality community spaces, people show up," the submission said.
"We've especially loved watching more young wāhine aged 8-13 take to the park, gaining confidence and connection through skateboarding."
"We want to see this transferred to Blenheim Skate Park."
Skate Marlborough said that while the Horton St skate park already had consistent growth in use, the upgrades would draw in more people.
The skate park had not had any upgrades since 2017, when council put $60,000 towards new equipment.
Parks and open spaces manager Jane Tito said that council staff were planning to work with Skate Marlborough, young people, and the park users when they reviewed the skate park equipment in 2026.
"That review is really more around the assets, the jumps and features of the skate park rather than the sort of fundamental shading," Tito said.
Croad praised Skate Marlborough for its proactive approach in supporting the growth of the sport in the region.
"I applaud the group for coming together and their presentation [for the] LTP last year. It's what we want from [long term plans]," Croad said.
"I really also am encouraged by the fact that they want to go and seek sponsorship and raise money to do other things as well."
- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.