The long-awaited new flying fox at Maraetotara Reserve in Ōhope was well used earlier this week.

Whakatāne District Council’s new playground feature was opened on Monday and children, including AJ Shaw, pictured above, were happily enjoying the rides yesterday morning. The two-cable flying fox replaces the original single-cable one, which was installed by Ōhope Lions Club several decades ago.

Extreme weather events in 2022 caused erosion of the reserve around the base of the flying fox, making it unsafe.

Whakatāne District Council contracted Tracks Whakatāne and BW Engineering to create a replacement with a more modern design, further away from the dunes. Installation began in mid-March.

Council open spaces staff constructed a new launch platform, complete with ramps to allow children to return the flying fox to the next child.

Parents commented that the timing of the opening with the beginning of the school holidays was “awesome”.