Bay pontoon idea still afloat
An idea floated by a 14-year-old Timaru girl as a swimming alternative to the blocked off Caroline Bay jetty appears to have support.
Roshean O’Connor’s request for a pontoon in the Bay was initially knocked back by the Timaru District Council.
However, parks and recreation manager Bill Steans revealed ‘‘a consortium of local groups is currently investigating funding the design and build of a platform that is suitable and safe for the conditions in the Bay’’.
‘‘We always welcome suggestions from young people in the community about ways in which we could improve the amenity at our beaches, parks and reserves.’’
The issue arose when the Timaru Yacht and Power Boat Club decided to block jetty access following several heavy storms and growing maintenance.
Roshean said there was a need for more opportunities for activities at the Bay.
‘‘Now that [the jetty] is not available . . . I would like to ask that the council provide a pontoon,’’ she said.
‘‘This would support the young people of the area, creating a safe and yet challenging opportunity for us to be active and outside doing things. I think that this would be used by a lot of people.’’
Roshean said there had been examples of other holiday spots where installing a pontoon had proved a boon.
Steans had earlier said there have been various swimming structures fixed in Caroline Bay over the years but they were all damaged by the conditions.
‘‘The variable conditions at Caroline Bay mean a permanent structure isn’t suitable.’’