Mangawhai Activity Zone clubhouse has funding consent

 

BY ROB POOLEY

It is generally agreed that the Mangawhai Activity Zone, or MAZ as it is more effectionately known, is the equal of any family entertainment centre in the country with a variety of activities available from safe swings for pre-schoolers through to older trail bike riders and even professional skateboarders. 

A number of local young skateboarders are fiercely protective of their patch and, to their credit, are prepared to work hard to maintain and enhance the skating facility.

The management now has plans afoot to build a clubhouse-cum-meeting room for casual use, and invite anyone interested be they individuals or families, to register as club members. They will then receive an official handbook which chronicles the history of the park and the projected future development.

“Our visitors number in the thousands over summer,” says chairman Colin Gallagher, “and we believe that by todays users becoming club members, this will continue through future generations maintaining the popularity and pride in the park and also be of benefit to Mangawhai generally.”

Clubhouse plans are as yet at the concept stage but involve local architect David Wingate and builder Glenn Kehoe as project manager working together with Kaipara District Council planners and a structural engineer. 

The three level building will consist of ground-floor storage, middle for meetings and casual entry with the upper area being a lookout and viewing platform. The building will also have wheelchair access and be sited strategically giving wide views of the park. 

Andrew Guest, on behalf of Mangawhai Central Ltd, has consented to largely fund the project.

“This is a tremendous offer from Mangawhai Central Ltd,” says Gallagher. “I’m hopeful also of some community input and, all going according to plan, it would be great to be able to make a start pre-Christmas.”

 Those interested in becoming members should refer to the MAZ website and/or direct their enquiries to Sue Clayton, admin@mangawhaiactivityzone.co.nz.

A conceptual drawing of the proposed MAZ clubhouse by Wingate Architects.