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For immediate release
Date:12 June 2012

Work starts on upgrading Calliope Park

A circuit where youngsters can peddle their bikes and adults can improve their fitness is being developed at Calliope Park in Cannons Creek.

The work is the first stage in a plan developed by the Cannons Creek community to upgrade the park, which sits between Calliope Cres and Warspite Ave.

Cannons Creek Residents and Ratepayers Association deputy chairman Jon Blackshaw says it's wonderful to see the park being upgraded in line with the community's wishes.

"It's excellent…and I'm looking forward to using the park a lot more and seeing other people using it."

The bulldozers moved into the park on Monday (June 11) to begin stage-one. This involves:

filling-out holes in the grassed area where swamping has occurred, and improving drainage,

the development of a circular pathway within the park which will be lit at night,

an extension of the basketball court into a quarter size court to allow for a 3- point circle and key. A netball hoop will be installed in the same space.

Longer term the Cannons Creek Residents and Ratepayers Association will be seeking grants to install adult fitness equipment around the pathway and to develop a road safety learning circuit for youngsters complete with road markings and signs.

Stage two of the development will see new play areas developed at the park in the next financial year.

The Cannons Creek Resident and Ratepayers Association has driven moves to upgrade the park, working in partnership with Porirua City Council's Village Planning Programme and consulting extensively with the community.

The Association held six community meetings and door-knocked around the area to gather as much information from residents as possible about what they would like at the park.

"It's been great. We've had a lot of really colourful information back about how people feel about the park and what they want," says Mr Blackshaw.

It's hoped the upgrade, better lighting and increasing use by the local residents will see it become a positive hub for the community.

The Association's plan for the park, and a discussion document based on the community consultation, has been presented to Porirua City Council officers.

You can view a copy of the plan at http://www.pcc.govt.nz/Community/Community- Projects/Village-Planning-Programme/Cannons-Creek

ENDS

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