Belmont Regional Park takes a battering

While most of the focus on the 14 May flood was on the urban areas, up in Belmont Regional Park the Korokoro stream tracks took a battering.

The wild weather washed out bridges, caused slips and damaged access roads. The biggest casualty was the Cornish St to Korokoro Dam track, which has sustained extensive damage. It will take several months before public access to the park via this track can be restored.

“The force of the flood was tremendous and it’s trashed the track. It was like a flash flood hitting the bridges, with debris taking them out, scouring the stream banks and washing out large sections of the track. Three remaining bridges are in an unsafe condition. We are really thankful that no-one was hurt,” says GWRC Manager Parks, Amanda Cox.

GWRC parks and flood management personnel have inspected the damaged areas of the park and access has been restricted in the interests of public safety.

All closed areas of the park have been signposted and the public has been asked to report any damage by calling 526-4133.

The current situation (15 May) is as follows:

• Cornish Street to Korokoro Dam – closed
• Stream walk at Stratton Street – closed
• Takapu Road to Duck Creek – open but take extreme care due to washouts
• Cannons Creek area – open, but take extreme care
• Oakleigh Street – open, but take extreme care

Please note that circumstances are subject to change at short notice. People intending to visit Belmont Regional Park or any of the others in the region should first check on their status at http://www.gw.govt.nz/parks/ which will be regularly updated.

ENDS

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