Submissions received earlier this year indicated that public is keen to see Avalon Park upgraded to become a destination park. People have indicated that they believe Avalon Park has the potential to become a very special site. Developing a Reserve Management Plan which contains a landscape design will allow decisions about the priorities for upgrading to be made sensibly. A key aspect of the landscape design is organising the layout and function of spaces within Avalon Park.
The draft proposes both active and passive areas in park. We want to know whether we’ve got the mix right. For example, should the play equipment be clustered on the site? This would leaving other areas available for other activities, including some quiet spots. Perhaps you would prefer to have play equipment spread beyond the existing playground area? The draft Reserve Management Plan proposes to develop a single, high profile entry to the park at Fairway Drive. This may include an interesting and enticing “bridge” to link the entry area to the playground beyond.
Council will adopt a final reserve management plan later this year. The final version of the plan will incorporate views and suggestions made by the public in the July 2012 consultation. The final document will set out the priority for various projects and this will enable Councillors to consider funding these projects. The public have already made a some suggestions that do not have funding implications, including encouraging a coffee cart to sell hot drinks at the park. Suggestions like this one are being worked on behind the scenes by officers.
Key features of the redevelopment plan are:
- A network of all-weather pathways for walkers and cyclists and improved parking, vehicle and pedestrian access, signs, toilets and lighting.
- Tree planting to screen against the prevailing northerlies as well as to create distinct areas for active and passive recreational uses.
- A combination of traditional gardens and spaces for active play.
- A “fun” bridge, possibly flexible like a rope bridge, where the fort formerly stood in the pond near Fairway Drive.
- Landscaping and other tree planting.
- Clustering together play equipment to allow for better parent supervision and public visibility.
Have your say
We’ll be serving free hot drinks and a sausage sizzle 1 to 3.30pm 1, 15, 22 and 29 July near the playground.
You can also write to us and tell us what you think - avalonpark@huttcity.govt.nz.
Draft Avalon Park Reserve Management Plan 2011 (PDF 2Mb)
More information
For more information contact Kelly Crandle ph: 570 6774 or E-mail avalonpark@huttcity.govt.nz