New whanau community space in Cannons Creek

• 21 Mar 2019
• Partners Porirua
• New whanau community space in Cannons Creek Mar 14, 2019 The day was infused with celebration and a sense of ‘Pride’ and ‘Ours’ at the opening of the new community space and park area at Bedford Reserve in Cannons Creek this week. Ngati Toa kaumatua, Taku Parai blessed the Park which was officially opened by Porirua Mayor, Mike Tana. But it was the young people that were the centre of attention with heartfelt performances from local schools, Windley and Glenview and a rousing haka from Brandon Intermediate. Working with Rachel Scott from Partners Porirua, students from these schools. Porirua College and Cannons Creek School made up a consultation group that were involved in the design and development of the community park space from inception. It has been a true community student-led project, said Rachel Scott, with Porirua College students designing and making the park benches, Glenview students designing and painting the mural, and leaders from Cannons Creek School, Windley School and Porirua College working through a robust consultation process to gather their ideas and work with landscape architects to bring their vision to life. As well as a flying fox, swing play area, performance stage, park benches, DJ post, drinking fountain and family sized picnic table, the space includes a wheelchair-friendly barbecue area and a swing for people with limited mobility. Adding distinct local flavour, the theme of the park was based on the book – Watercress Tuna and the Children of Champion Street – written by well-known author, Patricia Grace. “We have a process where young people have a say and that is so important” said Mayor, Mike Tana “I want to especially thank the schools that have participated in improving this space, either through design or working on the bench seats. It has created a sense of ownership for you in your community.” “The space will definitely be popular. Cannons Creek has always had a sense of community and it’s great to see an area that many families can utilise,” says Eastern Ward councillor and Cannons Creek resident, Kylie Wihapi. Porirua College students with their teacher and staff from Partners Porirua try out the new park benches that the students helped design and construct. (Back) Harry Young-Lalau, Solomona Penese, Michelle Robinson (Partners Porirua), Vailahi Vailahi (Front) Aashif Sacha (Partners Porirua), Franki Light (HOF Technology), Rachel Scott (Partners Porirua)
• Accepted from Partners Porirua posts 68 months ago
• Tagged as:
• consultation
• cannons-creek

Cannons Creek, Porirua, Porirua City, Wellington, 5025, New Zealand (OpenStreetMap)