Two potential solutions to the Amberley Dog Park debate stand before the newly formed South Ward Community Board, at the conclusion of their February 11 meeting at Hurunui District Council offices.

The discussion around establishment of a Dog Park for Amberley residents has been in the public eye since as early as 2015, with Council officers and a South Ward Committee working group, identifying a number of potential sites across the south of the district.

Among the baseline set of requirements for the park are: A place with an interesting landscape for dogs; ease of accessibility; water connection drinking water and perimeter stock fencing. Of the dozen options discussed, the Grierson Plantation and recently purchased land at 19 Saleyard Drive were identified by the working group as locations to further investigate.

The pros and cons of both sites were discussed in detail at the meeting, with approximate costs of both options and long-term suitability at the forefront of the conversation. Newly elected Board member James Hyde was quick to clarify issues surrounding estimated park sizes, and whether establishing a site as a dog park would mean it always needed to be used in that way.

Board members concluded the discussion with a proposal to consideration both options further and resolved as such: To seek public consultation on a Reserve Management Plan change for Grierson Ave; and Resource Consent for Saleyard Drive; with further consultation on changes to the Dog Control Bylaw Policy with both options needing to be listed as ‘Dog Exercise Areas’.

Another new face to the Board, Hamish Trolove, was pleased to see decisions being made and steady progress happening. “We’re a well-balanced team and not just kicking the issues down the road. We can now push on and ensure the appropriate administrative and regulatory changes are underway. The options on the table will create an attractive and future-proofed dog park, and all things going well, I am quietly confident physical works will be underway by the end of this year.”

The Board was also keen to note that thanks must be given to the working group and Council Officers for the excellent work carried out thus far.

Home Page | Auckland | Previous Story | Next Story

Copyright (c) Scoop Media