Have your say on how to play

One of the region's most popular attractions comes under public scrutiny over the next few weeks.

Lake Pupuke in Takapuna and its surrounding network of parks and walkways is intensively used by a wide range of recreational, leisure and commercial interests.

North Shore City Council is now calling for public submissions so it can review the lake's management plan.

Community services and parks committee chairperson, Margaret Miles, says the council is looking at how the lake environment is managed to achieve a balance between the various users and interests.

Along with its neighbouring walkways and parks it is used by sailors, rowers, canoeists, dragon boaters, scuba divers and windsurfers, who vie for space on the water. Runners, walkers and picnickers enjoy the lake shore, also used for parking the cars and boat trailers that bring so many to this popular spot. Councillor Miles says that managing the different demands is a challenge.

All of the users - including the large water bird populations and the surrounding property owners - have an impact on Lake Pupuke's water quality and the surrounding reserves of Quarry Lake, Sylvan, Killarney, Kitchener and Henderson parks, and the council is keen to provide a plan and guidelines so that everyone can enjoy a share of the area's facilities.

"At times some of the users are in conflict, and clearly we want to help avoid that by providing a sensible and fair management plan. We have been advertising for submissions from anyone interested in using the lake area, and we're asking for feedback before the closing date of February 14.

"We're confident that we can develop a management plan that will go a long way toward providing solutions for everyone," says Councillor Miles.

Killarney Park is home to the PumpHouse Theatre and Gallery, the iconic arts and performance venue.

A copy of the current management plan is available to view at council offices and Takapuna Library, and more information is available from Anna Kirschberg, North Shore City Council, on 486 8600.

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