Public Views Sought On Future Of Coastal Parks

May 17, 2004

North Shore City Council is asking the public to have a say on how two coastal parks are managed in the future.

Public submissions are being called for on the council's draft reserve management plans for Ngataringa Park in Devonport, and Campbells Bay Reserve.

Reserve management plans set out how the council intends to manage parks in the future, by identifying how the park can best be developed for the public's enjoyment, and what improvements are needed.

The chairperson of North Shore City's community services and parks committee, Margaret Miles, says community input is a vital ingredient in the development of management plans for parks.

"Local residents usually know their neighbourhood parks well and how they would like to see them developed, so their ideas and dreams are key element in their plans."

Councillor Miles says council staff had already worked with local groups and individuals to develop the draft plans.

"However these are draft plans and we now need to hear from residents whether we are heading in the right direction."

The reserve management plan for Ngataringa Park will also cover neighbouring Dacre Park. The two parks cover 11 hectares bordered by Ngataringa Bay and Lake Road. Ngataringa Park was originally a mangrove flat that was reclaimed and its history as a landfill is a key issue that will have a considerable effect on the future development of the park, says Councillor Miles.

"This is a large coastal park that can accommodate a wide range of activities and facilities, yet still allow a sense of remoteness. The draft plan looks at ways to better open up the coastline of the park to users, while improving the natural environment and restoring some of its previous natural state as a mangrove area."

The draft plan also proposes several options for additional facilities, including children's play areas and further youth facilities, while ensuring that a wide range of uses are catered for in the park.

Campbells Bay Reserve covers .4 hectares and is bordered by Huntly Road.

"We know that many North Shore residents identify strongly with the East Coast Bays as being places to relax and enjoy the coast, so the future development of this park must ensure that it improves park-users enjoyment of the area," Councillor Miles says.

The public has until July 2 to make their submissions on both plans.

The Ngataringa and Dacre Reserve draft management plan can be viewed at Devonport Library and the Devonport and Takapuna area offices. The draft management plan for Campbells Bay can be viewed at the Takapuna and East Coast Bays libraries and area offices.

(ends)

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