It’s bring your own mountain bike, horse or togs to the Waitekohekohe Recreational Park official opening this Saturday, 4 March.
As the newest park in Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s rohe, Waitekohekohe provides another place for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers to get out onto some new trails.
The official opening will see Western Bay Mayor James Denyer officially cut the ribbon, followed by guided tours of the Park’s new trails. Volunteers will lead the way on a guided mountain bike ride, horse ride, and walk to a near by swimming hole, all on the newly formed tracks woven throughout the park.
All are welcome to join the celebrations at 10am, Saturday 4 March at 10am, 252 Thompsons Track, Katikati. Separate guided walk, mountain bike and horse ride groups depart at 11am.
Mayor James Denyer says the opening of Waitekohekohe is an example of how Council and the community can come together to create something special. “This project wouldn’t happen without Council and passionate locals working together on a shared goal.”
While Council own the land and manage the park, the park wouldn’t exist if not for a group of likeminded volunteers from around Katikati.
Those volunteers began Katikati Recreational Park Development Group (KKRPDG), and proposed the idea of a park at Waitekohekohe to Council in 2018. Their idea was backed by Council, and eventually the wider Western Bay community who agreed to support the park plans through the Long Term Plan 2021-31.
The team at KKRPDG have spent the last few years developing the tracks and trails within the park, and putting Council allocated funding to good use.
Mayor James says, “As a Katikati local, I’m really proud of what we’ve created at Waitekohekohe. And I know that lots of whānau from the local area will be keen to use and explore the new park.”
Katikati Recreational Park Development Group member, Jacqui Knight, is excited and proud to welcome people to the park.
“After a long time planning and talking, we’re so excited to see our ideas come to life, and to see local people of all ages and abilities out on the trails.”
“We have had amazing feedback from users already so having the opportunity to officially open the reserve and show off what we have available is really exciting.”
What’s on offer at Waitekohekohe Recreational Park
Waitekohekohe Recreational Reserve is situated on the lower slopes of the Kaimai range, approximately 15 minutes from Katikati.
There’s plenty on offer for mountain bikers, with five new trails graded two to four built by expert trail maker Rob Metz.
Horse riders also have a neat list of things to do at Waitekohekohe. There’s over six kilometres of new horse trails to explore, along with jumping and galloping tracks. Facilities also include a toilet, corrals, weather shelter and wash down station.
There are separate car parks for mountain bikes at 360 Thompsons Track and equestrian at 252 Thompsons Track.
More info about the park at www.waitekohekohe.nz