Large aqua park still planned

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy David Hill:

Work could begin on a larger aqua sports park in Kaiapoi in 2024.
The WHoW Charitable Trust is seeking a two-year extension to the memorandum of understanding it signed with the Waimakariri District

Council in August 2020, as it looks to expand its sport park concept beyond its temporary aqua play park.

Trust vice-chairperson Jason Mill said the project is largely on track, despite the challenges of Covid-19.

‘‘When we first started out, 2024 was always our target so we are still on track to get a shovel in the ground by then.’’

The memorandum of understanding set aside land in the former red zone to the north of Kaiapoi River, while the trust undertook market research, water testing and a feasibility study for the project.

The trust was also granted a three-year license to occupy last year to operate an aqua play park on Courtenay Lake to the south of the river from October to April, with Kaikanui Aqualand NZ running the operation on behalf of the trust.

Despite the wet summer and a delay in getting under way, Mill said there were 15,000 paying customers to the play park from all over New Zealand.

‘‘We brought 25,000 people including spectators into Kaiapoi, so it gives us some confidence that it will work. We now have two more seasons to up our game.

‘‘We might pull 30,000 to 40,000 people, so we have been talking to Enterprise North Canterbury to see how we can get people to spend more time in Kaiapoi and support other businesses.’’

Now that the council has completed work on a stormwater main to north of the river, the trust has been able to begin hydrology tests on the proposed site of the larger aqua sports park, Mill said.

He said the land will need to be remediated and he estimated it could cost $40 million to construct the first stage.

Stage one is likely to incorporate the inflatable park, cable boarding and a small surf park, possibly with some kayaking.

The longer term project will cost upwards of $80m.

The money is expected to come from investors and proceeds from the aqua play park.

Waimakariri District Council community and recreation manager Chris Brown said a report was being prepared for councillors to consider.

‘‘The two years has gone pretty quick and I think everyone would agree it hasn’t been the easiest two years.

‘‘We need to look at it in more detail and consider what do they still need to provide us with, what is the critical path we need to follow and how long they might need.’’

Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said the play park had proven itself and he was looking forward to seeing the report from council staff.

Residents had raised concerns about being able to access the area around the lake for recreation, water quality, impacts on wildlife and the presence of crowds of people.

‘‘There were some legitimate concerns raised, but through good management the trust has been able to put people’s minds at ease,’’ Atkinson said.

‘‘And if this last summer is a small picture of what the future will look like then we obviously need to have a look at the big picture. It has the potential to benefit everybody.’’

The trust had been successful in meeting its own community objectives and raising goodwill, including planting trees, offering learning opportunities and giving away free passes to local school children.

Councillors were due to discuss the aqua sports park proposal this week.