Whakatane District Council has approved the revised Waka Ama Kayak Ramp Concept Plan and Site Layout paving the way for the development of facilities to cater for the growth of Waka Ama, kayaking and other recreational river users.
At its meeting on Monday 30 November, the Council approved the concept plans for the Waka Ama and kayak facility to enable consents to be applied for.
The Council Director of Works and Services Haydn Read said the development at the river end of Eivers road includes an area set aside for Waka Ama storage, a launching ramp and it will also provide a link to the Warren Cole walkway.
He said the facility will be well utilised as Waka Ama is growing as a significant sporting activity in the district and there was a need to provide facilities for other recreational user like kayakers to launch their craft in a safe environment.
“This facility once complete should relieve pressure on both the Rowing Club and the Main Boat Ramp areas as there will be a facility dedicated for the growing needs of Waka Ama clubs, kayakers and other recreational river users.
At the same meeting the Council also approved the development of the additional River Steps upstream of the Landing Road Bridge to provide more space for rowers to load and unload their craft. This will free up existing steps for swimmers to use as an exit area over the summer period.
The development involves a set of three steps 25metres long running between the existing groynes to the south of the Rowing Club buildings. The plan also provides for a link between the steps and the Warren Cole Walkway. For more information please contact Community Facilities Manager, Paula Chapman on 07 306 0500