Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District councillors met last week to visit the TECT All Terrain Park.

The TECT All Terrain Park, located 26km from WBOPDC's Barkes Corner, comprises of about 1650 hectares of land, a large portion of which is in forestry and native bush.

There has been a huge transormation of the site since the Park's opening in December 2010. Visitor numbers have increased from 2,301 in 2011 to over 16,000 in 2013.

Some of the clubs that base their activities at the park include: Bay of Plenty Clay Target Association, NZ Deerstalkers Association, Bay of Plenty Pistol Association, Tauranga Model Aircraft Club, Te Matai Motorsport Inc, Tauranga Motorycycle Club, Tauranga Trail Run,Tauranga Airsoft Club, and Beyond Adventure Racing.

Adrenalin Forest Limited attracts both locals and tourists alike at their multi-level aerial obstacle course.

There are about 60km of trails, some of which can be used for walking or cycling.

The day ended with friendly rivalry at the shooting range – Tauranga City Council had the highest overall score.

Congratulations to all of the clubs which operate from the park – you have all worked hard to create self-sustainable clubs without relying on ratepayer funding.

The day was a good opportunity to get to know newly elected members and network with the councillors from WBOPDC. For further information, visitwww.tectallterrainpark.co.nz

Back in TCC's chambers, elected members have been attending briefings on a wide range of issues from stormwater to the proposed Marine Precinct. Annual Plan deliberations commence next week.

New council sound system

The new sound system for the council chamber has been installed. The technology enables votes to be recorded and appears to be a considerable improvement on the old system.

One of the biggest frustrations expressed by many of the people attending the chamber in the past was the inability to hear elected members and others speak.