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Playing fields, sports courts, changing rooms, play areas and walking trails are included in prospective plans for the development of Mangawhai’s Urlich Park.
Kaipara District Council has provisionally allocated $7.55 million for the park in its early budget for the Long Term Plan 2027 – 2037 (LTP).
Presented to councillors at a briefing last month, plans include two full-sized, multi-use football fields.
The proposed layout also includes toilets, changing facilities, lighting, parking, play areas, walking and fitness trails, planting and spectator areas.
Space has also been set aside for a possible private sports club building.
The work is expected to take place in at least three stages.
The first stage would provide usable playing fields, access from Urlich Drive, parking, public toilets and other essential facilities. Later stages would add courts, changing rooms, lighting and improved drainage and irrigation, followed by play areas, trails and spectator facilities.
Earlier plans included a new Mangawhai Library at Urlich Park, but the latest documents state that the library will be located at a different site yet to be confirmed.
Funding for the park would come entirely from financial contributions collected from developments within the Mangawhai area.
Council has already allocated $100,000 for early geological, traffic, flooding and planning work. Most of that money has now been committed.
Traffic experts found that no major immediate changes were needed at the Moir Street and Urlich Drive intersection. However, possible road and footpath improvements have been costed at between $220,000 and $560,000.
Planning consultants have recommended Council seek a designation for the park to support staged development. Councillors will continue considering the project’s cost and timing as work progresses on the LTP, with further updates expected in the coming months.
