Community seating coming to Omarama

Published on 01 August 2024

Residents and visitors to Omarama will soon have a space to rest, chat and keep an eye on local sports with the installation of covered seating close to the tennis courts near to the recently painted mural.

The Residents Association of Omarama Inc. project team engaged APEX to design tree themed shelters and matching picnic seating set. Each shelter space covers approximately 12m² within the recreation reserve at the Omarama Community Hall. 

Josh Lee, APEX Engineering, Design & CAD Operator, says: “It is quite cool to get a project where we can run away with the design, where it still fits the brief and the purpose of the project.” Josh Lee, APEX Engineering, Design & CAD Operator.

Landscaping, designed by the project team, includes a bund surrounding the shelters, a base of crushed rock gravel and paver path for ease of access. The bund is planted with natives suitable for the Omarama climate.

The project has been led by members of the Omarama Residents Association, and supported by Waitaki District Council using Better Off Funding. It is hoped the new seating will encourage locals to walk to the sports pitches and playground, and reduce traffic and parking pressure in the area.

Lindsay Purvis, Chair of Residents Association of Omarama Inc, says: “The Omarama community was asked by WDC to identify projects within the LTP that would improve the area and provide a friendly welcome to visitors. 

After consultation via local media, public meetings, and a door-to-door survey of 50 homes the Residents Association were able to identify sports, playgrounds, and CBD congestion as important issues for our community.

Covered seating and landscaping around the area of the tennis courts and our new mural addresses those issues by directing traffic away from the CBD and providing an attractive and safe playground for local and visiting families.”

Cyndi Christensen, WDC Economic Development, says: “Omarama’s passion for improving their community is so important for the success of these new amenities at the Community Hall. First with the Omarama mural, then the uniquely designed shelters and seating that the project team and APEX created. 

I am sure the community and visitors will make great use of this improved area, making Omarama a little better off in the process”

ENDS