Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Park upgrades in pipeline
Three parks in Blenheim and one in Picton could soon be getting a much-needed makeover.
At last Thursday’s assets and services committee meeting, Marlborough District councillors voted to approve $241,000 to be spent on upgrading Westwood Reserve, Ballinger Park and Mark Smith Reserve in Blenheim and Victoria Domain in Picton.
Before the money is released, the council will hold a final hearing with the full council present on February 27.
Marlborough District Council reserves and amenities manager Jane Tito said that the playgrounds were identified as requiring funding for maintenance or upgrade works.
‘‘The first one to be noted is in Westwood Reserve. We’ve been working with the community for several months on this,’’ Tito said.
‘‘This came out of an annual plan submission. This is conceptual at the moment, but it will essentially be like that. That’s about $150,000 towards that one.
‘‘There’s some shade area as well, and a footpath around.
‘‘We’re making use of some concrete blocks being used as seats which we will recycle as well and bring into the landscaping,’’ she said.
The Westwood Reserve has been due for development since 2016 and after months of discussion between council and the community, they have finally worked on a suitable playground design.
‘‘The new playground will feature a landslide platform, a climbing wall, fireman’s pole and a timber-framed swing along with a shade shelter and seating that uses the existing concrete blocks. Also included is soft fall safety matting,’’ said Marlborough District Council spokesperson Glyn Walters.
A new pathway will be constructed in Mark Smith Reserve along its northern boundary to better connect to the Taylor River tracks and Ballinger Park is hoping to get a new flying fox.
‘‘Lastly, the Mark Smith playground, we will be finalising that with a park down to the river.
‘‘We might also do a water fountain there in future,’’ Tito said.
In Victoria Domain, a basket swing will be installed and the playground will be redeveloped to make it more accessible to special needs children.
The Land Subdivision Account meeting in August last year had approved the fundings for the upgrades which covers capital improvements.
For more information on Marlborough’s playgrounds go to https://www.marlborough. govt.nz/recreation/parks-andreserves/playgrounds