Rotorua Skate Park Re-development

Consultation has concluded

The video above shows the initial concept design that was created for Sheaf Park. The skate park upgrade project team will be create a new concept design for Kuirau Park with the same principles agreed upon at the beginning of this project.

Next steps for Rotorua's new skate park

During the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan consultation Council signaled to the community that the inner city skate park could be incorporated into the overall design for Kuirau Park upgrades.

Once approved the Plan provided funding of $750,000 to further investigate the location and design of the new skate facility within Kuirau Park.

Latest update:

March 2022

Surveys to test settlement of the land under the preload at the new skatepark site are ongoing. Results from the preload will determine when the material can be removed.

April 2021 




March 2021

Site preparation is now underway at the location of the new skate park at Kuirau and Pukuatua Streets. More than 3000 cubic metres of preload material will be placed on the site to strengthen the ground where the new facility will be constructed.

The preload material will be in place at Kuirau Park for 12 to 24 months. Once testing confirms that the ground has settled enough then construction can begin.

While the preload is in place Council will continue to work with the skate park advisory group and the wider community to develop a final design for construction. Council is also working through the pre-planning stages of the 2021-2031 Long-term Plan which will determine future funding for capital investment projects.

This project will rely on external funding - Council will continue to look for funding opportunities to develop the new skate park.

The video above shows the initial concept design that was created for Sheaf Park. The skate park upgrade project team will be create a new concept design for Kuirau Park with the same principles agreed upon at the beginning of this project.

Next steps for Rotorua's new skate park

During the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan consultation Council signaled to the community that the inner city skate park could be incorporated into the overall design for Kuirau Park upgrades.

Once approved the Plan provided funding of $750,000 to further investigate the location and design of the new skate facility within Kuirau Park.

Latest update:

March 2022

Surveys to test settlement of the land under the preload at the new skatepark site are ongoing. Results from the preload will determine when the material can be removed.

April 2021 




March 2021

Site preparation is now underway at the location of the new skate park at Kuirau and Pukuatua Streets. More than 3000 cubic metres of preload material will be placed on the site to strengthen the ground where the new facility will be constructed.

The preload material will be in place at Kuirau Park for 12 to 24 months. Once testing confirms that the ground has settled enough then construction can begin.

While the preload is in place Council will continue to work with the skate park advisory group and the wider community to develop a final design for construction. Council is also working through the pre-planning stages of the 2021-2031 Long-term Plan which will determine future funding for capital investment projects.

This project will rely on external funding - Council will continue to look for funding opportunities to develop the new skate park.

Consultation has concluded
  • Tell me about the park?

    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Through initial engagement the community has told us they would like to see features that can be ridden by a variety of riders (e.g. Skateboard, scooter, BMX, blades etc.), by all abilities and age groups.

    The five main design areas considered to achieve this are:

    • Moguland
      A contained area which includes a number of small humps. Generally used by beginner or younger riders but provides for a range of users and abilities. View moguland here.

    • Pool bowl
      Transitioned bowl environment with pool coping mimicking some of the early skate environments of the 1970’s. Usually used by more intermediate to advanced riders. View pool bowl here.

    • Flow bowl section
      Area with a number of different transitional features and edging treatments that can be used by a range of users and abilities. View the flow bowl here.

    • Open plaza environment
      A large open space area that allows space for all users. This area also includes a stage which can be used for events and skateable art feature. View open plaza here.

    • Box Jump Section
      The box jump section includes a number of ramps of different sizes as well as a BMX styled mini ramp. This area is typically used by BMX and Scooter riders but provides for a range of users and abilities. View box jump section here.


    Take a look at the Skate Park Concept Images gallery to see the various areas/features in the design.

  • Who has done the design to date?

    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    A project team including users of the existing skatepark and a specialist skatepark designer have worked on an initial concept for the skatepark upgrade. At the beginning of the project the project team agreed on a number of principles which the design has been based on. These will be translated into a new concept design for Kuirau Park

    These are:

    • The design should make use of the existing features and enhance the site;

    • The park must cater for a variety of users and a range of abilities;

    • Include skateable art features that reflect Rotorua’s uniqueness;

    • Provide for national and local events;

    • Landscape features such as shelter, seating, viewing, planting and car parking are important.

  • Wider Kuirau Park development

    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    These ideas of Kuirau Park are also being developed including a geothermal play space and market relocation. You can see more information here.

    Other ideas have been suggested for the skate park that could be included in the future but are not part of the current proposal.

    In addition to the upgrade of the skate park two other future projects have been identified that would complement the skate park, providing a range of “wheeled” activities for a range of abilities:

    • Sealed pump track
      This project has been identified by the Rotorua Trails Trust and would provide for a range of users but primarily for BMX and mountain bikes. The track would also be able to host large scale events.

    • Junior cycle skills track
      a track designed to simulate “real world” conditions such as intersections and roundabout to teach kids how to navigate safely on bikes.