Plans underway for Coast’s biggest park

The next step in the transformation of a 154ha piece of farmland in Dairy Flat into a significant park took place last month with a public open day.

The Rodney Local Board took the show on the road, using Council’s Emergency Operations Centre bus for the open day, which was held outside Dairy Flat Hall on Saturday, August 18. It is seeking feedback on how to develop the park in Green Road as it begins work on a masterplan.

The plan will identify a vision for the development, management and use of the park and guide future decision-making.

The former Rodney District Council purchased the land in the early 2000s and it is destined to provide an open green space which will be much needed as Dairy Flat is developed from rural to urban in the next few decades.

Although the ultimate decisions about the park lie with the Rodney Local Board (which covers Dairy Flat), the park is expected to be a significant asset for the surrounding Hibiscus Coast area too.

There is a lot of interest locally in how the park will be developed and a large number of residents attended the open day. Strong support was shown for equestrian and model aircraft activities – the North Shore Model Aircraft Club and the Silverdale Pony Club both have bases on the site.

Dairy Flat resident Lynley Holme coaches at the pony club. She says pony clubs are losing their land as development pushes them out and the park is an opportunity to keep this community asset. She would love to see the park as a working farm with areas for activities with a rural flavour such as horse riding and walking.

“Horse riding also supports local businesses such as vets, farriers, fencing contractors and feed merchants,” she says. “It’s important to retain rural based activities as urban pressure builds.”
There was also good support indicated for cycling, native planting and ecological restoration, dog walking and a chance to get away from it all – “Just open space, don’t organise everything,” was one submitter’s plea.

The current feedback period runs until September 21. If you missed the open day, you can have your say at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/haveyoursay.

There will also be a further chance to give feedback when the proposed masterplan is circulated next year.