Popular park keeps expanding

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Mangawhai’s favourite playground for kids of all ages, including the grown-up variety, is set to make even more activity and play zones available for the coming summer.

MAZ committee member Ken Rayward says construction has already begun on two new attractions – an outdoor fitness gym and three pump bike tracks – as well as improvements on the BBQ and picnic areas.

“The MAZ outdoor gym is unique and will be a very welcome addition to the park,” Rayward says.

“It caters for all ages and fitness levels and is positioned beside the main children's playground area, enabling kids to keep an eye on their parents working out.”

Three new bike tracks for different age and skill levels are currently being carved out although Rayward says progress will be dictated by the weather over the next few months.

“These tracks will run through the wonderful bush environment surrounding MAZ, adding extra dimension and challenges to the ever-expanding breadth of activities to be experienced and enjoyed at MAZ,” he says.

“BBQ's, picnic areas, shading and seating facilities are all being expanded, enabling families and groups to enjoy themselves surrounded by this exceptional play and recreational environment. And it is all free!”

In characteristic Mangawhai fashion, local Fit 365 fitness instructor, Aaron McIlwee, and earth excavators, FD Smith’s Fraser Smith, volunteered their time and expertise to the

new projects with Mcllwee advising MAZ about the gym equipment while Smith provided vital ground preparation.

Over the past year, the Zone has seen the erection of the pirate ship and rocking dinghy as well as the formation of cricket and football fields.

Rayward says these additions were achieved from the dedication of enthusiastic local volunteers in both fundraising and ongoing park maintenance as well as the extraordinary support from the Mangawhai community.

”With its growing team of locals contributing both funds and time, MAZ has established a community park that is the envy of communities across New Zealand.”

The next major initiative for the team is to extend what has become a Mangawhai icon, the MAZ skate arena, with plans to raise the popular skating platform to a level complying with Olympic standards, ‘ready for the next games in Japan’.

MAZ is hopeful Kaipara District Council will help the ambitious project and have already submitted a proposal for financial support from the council’s Community Enhancement Program.

“We have justified high expectations that the KDC will fully recognise the importance and value MAZ has brought to the community and broader region and will demonstrate this with their support,” he says.

“With over 40,000 visitors expected to the park this coming summer, it is now a major drawcard to the area. The Mangawhai community has every right to be very proud.”

- By Julia Wade

DRAWCARD: Mangawhai’s popular ‘Activity Zone’ is adding new attractions, including an upgrade of the skate bowl to Olympic standard. PHOTO/Josie Gritten

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