Construction of a unique volcanic themed skatepark in the Auckland suburb of New Windsor starts at the end of August.
The skatepark, which takes inspiration from Auckland’s volcanic fields, will complete the third and final stage of the Valonia Reserve upgrade being delivered as part of the NZ Transport Agency’s Waterview Connection project.
'We’re thrilled to provide a truly one of kind skatepark in New Zealand that local people will be able to access easily. This facility invites the entire community to get active and enjoy their local surroundings,' says the Transport Agency’s Highway Manager Brett Gliddon.
The skatepark reflects a volcanic lava flow, starting in a crater (bowl) at its highest point, before running through a series of volcanic coloured terraces and skateable features such as bowls, banks, quarter pipes and rails.
Designed collaboratively by The Well-Connected Alliance, Auckland Council and the local skate and BMX community, the skatepark will be built by Melbourne based firm Convic, a global leader in skate park design and construction.
The intermediate to advanced level skatepark will be built at the junction of Valonia Street and Richardson Road alongside the Southwestern Shared Path and the State Highway 20 extension.
The skatepark is the latest in a number of community amenities being built as part of the Waterview Connection project.
The final stage of the Valonia Reserve upgrade is expected to be completed by early 2017 and also involves the construction of a half-court basketball court designed to match the volcanic theme.
The Valonia Street exit to Richardson Road will be closed throughout the construction.
The Valonia Reserve upgrade has been constructed in three stages by the Well-Connected Alliance, which is delivering the Waterview Connection project.
Stage one involved the construction of two full-size sports fields, complete with irrigation, drainage, lights and sand-turf pitches which many local people and sports teams have used over the past two years.
Stage two consisted of new changing rooms, a volleyball court and carpark.
The Waterview Connection completes Auckland’s Western Ring Route, a 48km additional route to SH1. It will link Manukau, Auckland, Waitakere and the North Shore, improving network resilience, travel time reliability and bus shoulder lanes as well as upgrading cycleway and pedestrian facilities.
The Waterview Connection project is being delivered by the Well-Connected Alliance which includes the Transport Agency, Fletcher Construction, McConnell Dowell, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Beca Infrastructure, Tonkin & Taylor and Japanese construction company Obayashi Corporation. Sub-alliance partners are Auckland-based Wilson Tunnelling and Spanish tunnel controls specialists SICE.
Artist’s impression of the skatepark and half-court basketball court at Valonia Reserve. 
Artist’s impression of the crater (bowl) at the skatepark’s highest point.
