The Papanui-Innes Community board unanimously approved the landscape plan for the installation of a multi-use table tennis table and pump track at the former Shirley Community Centre site at a meeting last week.
This will cost about $93,000.
The landscape plan went up for consultation in July.
At the close of the consultation period, 71 submissions were received with 60 submitters supporting the landscape plan, nine submitters not supporting it and two submitters not indicating either way.
Pegasus Post reported in April Shirley Primary School pupil Shannon Smith presented a petition with 30 signatures to the board asking for a permanent scooter, skateboard and bike track to be built at MacFarlane Park.
However, city council investigation found the site at Shirley Community Reserve was more appropriate.
In spite of the pump track, which has been approved only being temporary, it can be relocated and could remain in this site for up to 10 years if this is what the community wants.
Shannon’s father Tim Weir said he and Shannon were at the meeting when the pump track was approved and they were pleased with the result.
“We’re really excited about it and looking forward to it going ahead hopefully before Christmas season. They [the board] were discussing that if the staff get it in by then that would be fantastic for all the kids over the school holidays.”
Said Papanui Ward city councillor Mike Davidson: “It was unanimous to approve the landscape plan and the multi-use table. Everyone was very excited about that, and the process was one that was run really well.”
