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The Amazing Story
For years – community groups and individuals had recognized a need for Ashburton to have a recreational water resource.
The nearest lakes were an hour and a half away – in the hills and over rough access roads.
 In 1987, - this was about to change. One man dared to dream - Ken Kingsbury.
The community got behind him.
Fourteen years and 32 land consents later the lake (later named Lake Hood) and the 173 hectare recreational park were opened by the Right Honourable Jenny Shipley M.P.
The mission statement for the park was to produce a “free to the public” water recreation source – close to Ashburton.
Initial market research indicated that by far the biggest visiting interest in the lake would be the passive user. Anyone and everyone who chose to could sit beside, swim, walk or jog around the park.
The initial committee of approximately fourteen people, representing The Ashburton Aquatic Park Society, raised the money to buy the farm land and develop the lake.
Later a five man executive from within the original committee, drove the project for the society.
The same five later formed the Ashburton Aquatic Park Charitable Trust, the governing body for the park today.
Their task was to raise the capital required to create what we see today, a non-tidal, 80 hectare expanse of clean, safe water, an eight lane international standard rowing course, a separate international standard water skiing course, together with several kilometers of canals and a residential sub-division complete with private jetties .
A development with a current value in excess of forty million dollars with much more to come!
The Ashburton Aquatic Park of Lake Hood and Huntingdon Park, - recreational, residential and, soon to add, commercial development is a testament to the Ashburton people and the district logo “Ashburton – whatever it takes!”
 I am sure the park will continue to develop and flourish for many years to come.
It has been my pleasure to be involved with this dream – now a reality – for the past fourteen years and very satisfying to see so many people of all ages and walks of life enjoying the facility.
David J West
Chairman AAPCT
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