Conflicting visions for reserve

A popular riverside reserve at the Awapuni end of Palmerston North is in danger of becoming overdeveloped.

Mountain bike riders want more trails, not less, small dog owners want a fenced exercise area and the city council proposes a car park in the middle of it.

But the Waitoetoe Reserve Community says the most important thing about the park is its natural wilderness feel and any development should take ‘‘a light touch’’.

More than 90 groups and individuals made submissions on the park’s development plan, with six of them speaking to the council’s sports and recreation committee.

Some wanted fences, more furniture, lighting, toilets, more litter bins, exercise machines and a shelter for performers.

Others wanted the council to leave it alone.

‘‘By putting a road through the middle of the park it defeats the purpose of keeping the wilderness,’’ Thomas Stannard said.

One of the contentious issues is a proposed dog park, which has been drawn into the plan with no fences.

Small dog owner Paul Godbaz said that would not fulfil the need for a fenced area where elderly and less mobile dog-owners could take their small dogs to play.

He said people like him needed an exercise area where their dogs would be safe from larger dogs running around the park.

But reserve community spokesman Don Scott said putting a fence in an area prone to regular flooding was a bad idea.

‘‘A lot of work would be needed to keep it maintained and free of debris.’’

The plan as it has been drawn would restrict the areas available for mountain biking in favour of a parking area and natural play opportunities for children.

Mountain Bike Club spokesman Peter Wells, representing some 800 members, many of whom made their own submissions, said it was the only mountain biking area in the city and should be extended rather than reduced.

Riverdale resident Peter Reay said the council’s proposals would see the park over-developed and lose its wilderness qualities.

There was a need for more parking at Panieri Park, he said, but the rest of the park should be kept free of vehicles so it was safe for people walking.

Another proposed feature was to give recognition to the Ahimate Pa site near access to Waitoetoe Beach.

Chris Whaiapu from the Ngati Hineaute Hapu Authority said the name ‘‘Waitoetoe’’ had no meaningful connection to the park’s culture and history.

‘‘It is important as we move forward with the development of the pa site that it is inviting. We do not want it to feel like it’s so sacred people cannot go there.’’

Mayor Grant Smith said a key to accommodating more people’s claims on the park could be resolved by looking beyond the area owned by the council.

Owners of the adjoining downstream Dunne Block made a written submission offering to work with the council to regenerate the area often used by people exercising their dogs, unaware it was privately owned.

Dunne Family Trust representative Jessica Legg said their plan was to plant more native trees and shrubs, eradicate weeds and pests, and encourage more native birds. Dogs could undermine their efforts.

Smith said the block could be ‘‘the missing link’’ in the park’s development.

‘‘A lot of conflicts between user groups might be able to be accommodated.’’