Residents to have their say on camping in Happy Valley

The Council is inviting the public to have their say on camping in Happy Valley Park. Consultation opens on Monday and runs until Monday 12 October.

A proposed amendment to the Suburban Reserves Management Plan will allow camping as a managed activity on part of Happy Valley Park.

There are currently enough camp sites in Wellington City for self-contained motorhomes and campervans. However, there is increasing demand for camping sites that are suitable for campervans that are not self-contained.

Councillor Justin Lester, Deputy Mayor, says, “Wellington is a popular destination for campervans. It’s important to provide visitors with a low cost, safe and attractive place to stay close to the City”.

“Designated, well managed sites provide a workable solution for both visitors and the local community”, he says.

Councillor Paul Eagle, Chair, Community Sport and Recreation Committee, says, “The spot we’ve found is almost perfect – it’s only minutes away from the city, the shops are just up the road in Brooklyn or Island Bay and it’s a stone’s throw from Wellington’s dramatic south coast.

“But before anything gets the nod, it’s crucial that the neighbours and others impacted by having a campground in their backyard get to have a say on how it might affect them and the wider Owhiro Bay/Happy Valley community.

“Council needs to know what the locals think about the change in activity and use of this area, including potential negative impacts– plus the benefits of having more visitors.”

Around 33 camping sites, 18 for campervans and 5 for tents could be accommodated at this site along with all-weather surfacing, lighting, toilets, a basic kitchen facility, rubbish bins and planting.

If camping is permitted at Happy Valley Park, then the Council will need to decide on how the campground is best managed. Management would include administration, cleaning, security and rubbish collection.

Funding for the development of the camping ground would need to be considered as part of the 2016/17 funding round and development of the campground would require resource consent.

For further information or to make a submission on this proposal go to wellington.govt.nz or contact the Council on 04 499 4444.

Submissions close on 5pm Monday 12 October 2015.

ENDS

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