Memorials set to feature at park
A 20-pound World War II gun parked at the front gate, a splash pad water play area and a duck pond partially transformed into a wetland are among the features proposed to enhance Palmerston North’s Memorial Park.
The gun would be part of series of features and murals designed to restore the old quarry’s role as a place of remembrance, as well as one for family play, sport on wheels and football.
The city council’s sport and recreation committee yesterday recommended putting the plans out for formal public consultation.
The council is proposing a budget of $887,000 over the next decade to work through the priorities for developing the park.
Mayor Grant Smith said the council was talking with a range of interest groups who could put money and resources into developments, including Central Football, the New Zealand Army and Fitzherbert Lions
Council leisure assets planner Jason Pilkington said earlier community engagement had shown people valued family play opportunities at the park, and the chance for people of all abilities to enjoy the play equipment.
The council’s goal to achieve top accessibility standards had been so far well supported, he said.
Pilkington said the perception of safety was important for families relaxing in the park, especially those with small children.
Public concerns had prompted a proposal to fill in the end of the duck pond closest to the playground.
The pond would have boardwalks and substantial new edging and planting to separate children from the water. Engineers were looking at the possibility of transforming it into a kind of wetland receiving stormwater run-off before it drained into the pond.
‘‘At the moment, we don’t actually have issues with safety, but there is a perception that it could be a danger.’’
The skating rink at the park is already undergoing improvements and the prospect of having lights there for evening use was included in the plan to see how neighbours responded.
Murals and signage throughout the park would acknowledge its memorial function, and the New Zealand Defence Force, archives staff and the Defence Heritage Advisory Group were helping with the plan.
A Heroes’ Wall and murals recalling the contribution of women during the war years were likely features.
The Workers’ Memorial above the park on Fitzroy St would also be included, with local trade unions involved in revitalising its associated garden.
Central Football was keen to work with the council to paint facilities and brighten up the northern end of the park.