Flyger Road Community Activities Park

The Northland Regional Council is seeking expressions of interest for the acquisition/purchase and use of 90 hectares of land currently owned by the NRC at Flyger Road, Ruakaka. We, the Black Douglas Charitable Trust, are seeking to acquire the land so that it can be used by the community for a multi-activity park. Envisaged facilities include a convention centre with theatre for concerts, shows and performing arts, a "Victorian themed historic village" with museums and art galleries, a civil defence headquarters, ranges for all shooting and target sports and disciplines including archery, an indoor roller derby arena and skating rink, gym areas for use by disabled people and their support groups, spaces for artists and craftspeople, various tracks for motor sports, go carts, drifters, classic sports cars, four wheel drive vehicles, motor cross bikes, trails for mountain bikes, and a jet boat track, a series of sheds/workshops for working on projects, restorations and inventions supporting fledgling businesses and training younger people in trade skills, areas for horticultural activities, native plant and poplar nurseries and a community garden, scout camping grounds, a camper caravan area for competition and convention attendees and backpacker accommodation. A wide and diverse range of activities will be catered for, particularly those which provide ongoing life learning opportunities, help to preserve our kiwi heritage, protect the environment, which lead to job opportunities, support the arts, and involve youth and encourage skill development. As the local population expands we need such a complex on many different levels: 1. To encourage and boost a diversity of recreational activities and entertainments (other than TV). 2. To provide a centre for youth recreation, an outlet for creativity, a channel for energy, and an environment for skills development, training, learning, and interaction with the wider community. 3. To provide a living place for all arts and culture to be practiced, encouraged and fostered. 4. To reduce poverty by sharing skills, energy, time and resources in mutually beneficial projects and activities. 5. To provide an opportunity for the aging population to pass on knowledge, skills, attitudes and abilities, and to share these with their peers and the younger members of the community. 6. To provide low cost alternative premises and space (by sharing resources) for various clubs, societies, groups and individuals that would, for financial reasons, otherwise be unable to stay viable thus preserving a wider range of cultures. 7. To provide an otherwise unavailable regional or national venue for some sports (such as archery, shooting and roller derby). 8. To improve the physical and mental health of those participating in the various activities stimulated.