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A plan that is a chance to re-think how our local parks and reserves are managed received feedback from 137 individuals or organisations in its early stages.
A first round of informal feedback was sought on the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board’s Open Space Management Plan earlier this year (HM March 14). The public’s views will feed into the draft that Auckland Council is currently preparing.
The plan is a pilot for the whole of Auckland and will guide management of all the Hibiscus Coast parks and reserves, including details of which activities are permitted (or not) in reserves.
Key themes from the feedback to the plan include the need to balance informal and formal use of beachfront reserves, addressing the reduction of private open space through further park provision and, in particular, tree cover.
There were calls for a greater focus on ecological restoration and pest control and to bring the community together through park developments that facilitate play and social interaction along with events or programmes.
It was clear that there is competition between sporting codes for allocation of facilities. It was also noted by a number of sports groups that they need to diversify to remain relevant and spread play across the week to increase capacity.
Originally the draft plan was to have been prepared and publicly notified this month. However, Auckland Council has identified a large number of land parcels held under the Reserves Act that have not yet been classified and a number that need to be reclassified as required by the Reserves Act.
This process needs to be complete before the draft plan can go before the public for formal submissions.
At this stage it is hoped that the draft will go before the local board in December. If the board approves notification Council will aim to notify the draft in late January to avoid the Christmas period and to ensure the best possible opportunity for the public to provide feedback.
