Opening of new courts and a skateboard park at Bland Park, Waitati.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull has paid tribute to the co-operation and partnership that made Waitati's new skateboard park and sports courts possible.
An official opening was held on Saturday to formally recognise the efforts of all those who took part in building the new facility at Bland Park, which includes a skate park, tennis courts and a rebound court.
It was built by residents led by Paul Sirota and Graeme Bennett and the Blueskin A and P Society and funded by grants, fundraising and insurance money from the loss of a youth facility about 10 years ago.
Mr Cull said the achievement was something for the community to be very proud of.
"The community of Waitati has shown over some years it is prone to be proactive, resourceful and forward looking ... Congratulations."
The best results were achieved when different groups came together and collaborated as they had done for this project, he said.
Waitati youth Jordan Dickson (15) paid tribute to Mr Bennett on behalf of the township's younger people, thanking him for his "time, effort and hard work".
Mr Bennett said the facility was "everything he had thought it would be".
"It's yours. Make good use of it and I hope you have many hours of enjoyment on it."
Members of the community took part in tennis coaching, games on the park and a skateboarding demonstration was held.
Photos by Jane Dawber; prints available from otagoimages.co.nz.
