Mount Maunganui skatepark in New Zealand now boasts the coolest addition to its landscape: the world’s largest known 3D-printed skate sculpture. Called ‘The Wave,’ this impressive structure stretches nearly 12 meters in length and stands 3 meters tall. In addition to The Wave, the new Destination park includes four other 3D-printed features, such as a quarterpipe and skateable ledges.
According to Tauranga City Council, the skatepark was opened in the presence of council commissioners, local roller community members, and representatives from hapū Ngāi Tūkairangi and Ngāti Kuku, along with project partners and guests.
Peter Fraser, the council’s design lead for Destination Skatepark, highlighted the revolutionary nature of the project: “This is a new and sustainable approach to creating unique skate features. We’ve been able to design forms and textures that would have been prohibitively expensive using traditional production methods.”
The entire skatepark’s design process was community-driven and involved a diverse group of 24 members representing various roller sports, with skateboarding, BMX, scootering, inline skating, and roller skating among them. Fraser emphasized the importance of this inclusivity, essential to the park’s design, and the team’s ambition to cater to skaters of all ages and skill levels across its multiple zones.
In partnership with specialist skatepark designer RICH Landscapes, the council aimed to explore cutting-edge technologies, with a particular focus on sustainability. To achieve this vision, the council teamed up with Qorox, New Zealand’s only 3D print construction company and an early adopter of the technology.
To construct the skateable features, Qorox relied on its proprietary Q-Ink, a low-carbon 3D printing material. According to Qorox director Wafaey Swelim, Q-Ink produces 30% fewer emissions than conventional concrete, in line with the park’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
With advanced 3D tech meeting community-focused design, we can be sure that the park will not only serve as a hub for skaters, but drive sustainable urban infrastructure forward.
