Park vision ready for feedback
The community is being asked to have its say on the future of Cornwall Park with the release of the draft park management plan this week.
Covering 8.3ha, Cornwall Park is one of Hastings’ oldest and most established parks, rich in culture and heritage.
It includes a number of features of cultural, historic and environmental value and significance, including 23 protected trees, sports fields, John Holt Memorial Display House, Osmanthus Gardens, children’s playground, duck pond, stream and bird aviary.
The plan was prepared following extensive community consultation, including open days, and survey responses from more than 150 members of the community.
It outlines the Hastings District Council’s intentions for the use, management, development and protection of the park over the next 10 years, underpinned by a vision to ‘protect, manage and enhance the natural, cultural and historic character of Cornwall Park as the premier recreation park of the district’.
Because of the important contribution the park makes to the community, the plan identifies a sizeable financial investment to be made in the landscape — including new and enhanced walkways and the restoration and enhancement of the duck pond and stream.
There are proposals for an enhanced children’s playground and new toilet facilities.
Given the expiry of their lease next year, the plan also asks if there are any other community uses or aspirations for the council-owned building currently leased to Cornwall Park Playcentre.
This historic building was originally a tea kiosk, for people watching sport and the playground. The group Friends of Cornwall Park formed about six months ago in response to the call for input into the draft plan and its founding co-ordinator Marina Dinsdale said it was exciting to have reached this stage.
“On first glance it looks like the council has listened to the feedback it received before putting the plan together, and we’re delighted about that.”
She encouraged people to read the plan and take up the opportunity to have their say during the consultation period.
Parks and reserves management comes under councillor Ann Redstone’s portfolio, and she was also excited about the council’s plan for the park.
“A great deal of work has gone into listening to the community and planning improvements towards what I believe will be a wonderful recreational amenity. I would also encourage people to have a look at the plan and let us know their thoughts.”
The community now has the opportunity to make formal submissions in support of this plan, or to oppose any part of it.
Copies of the plan can be viewed at the Hastings District Council building, Hastings, Flaxmere and Havelock North public libraries and online at www.hastingsdc.govt.nz
The closing date for submissions is Friday, February 15, 2019 and council officers will be available on Saturday, December 8 beside the children’s playground at Cornwall Park between 11am and 1pm to discuss the draft plan.
A hearing will be scheduled in March 2019.