Council seeks ideas on neighbourhood reserve for Pongakawa

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is looking to create a neighbourhood reserve and other recreational facilities on Arawa Rd, Pongakawa.

The council’s draft concept plan features a new neighbourhood reserve, to be developed at the end of the formed section on Arawa Rd, and includes exciting features such as a ‘rural-inspired’ playground, pump track, community garden, signage, seating, shade and planting.

There is also the possibility of future walking and cycling trail connections around the area and linking to Pukehina Beach.

The council’s senior policy analyst Cheryl Steiner says neighbourhood reserves are an integral part of communities and the plan has been developed based on feedback from Arawa Rd and Penelope Place residents.

“Through our recent Te Pukemaketu¯ Reserve Management Plan review, residents told us they are keen to have some recreational opportunities for their community of around 70 households, as there is none currently.

“Neighbourhood reserves provide opportunity for play, activities and exercise in the great outdoors which all contributes to health, well-being and community connection,” says Cheryl.

She encourages anyone who lives around the Arawa Rd area to share their thoughts on the draft concept plan.

“Remember, this is your community and your space, so it’s up to you to tell us what you want and don’t want.”

The project is likely to be implemented in a staged approach, beginning with the neighbourhood reserve, with walking and cycling connections to be developed at a later date.

Costs for the project will be considered in future budget processes and are currently estimated up to $54,000 for the neighbourhood reserve. Costs for the walking and cycling connections will be determined once there is a better idea of surface type and exact locations of the trails.

There will be a community ko¯ rero on October 9 from 10am to 1pm at the end of Arawa Rd or, if wet, in Pongakawa Hall.

■ Check out the draft concept plan and have a say at haveyoursay. westernbay.govt.nz/arawaroad. Feedback closes at midday, October 21. The draft plan is out for community feedback until midday on October 21.