Media Release

15 February 2013

Council to consider reviewing Management Plan for William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island

At the next Council meeting Council will consider whether to review the Reserve Management Plan for William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island.

The vision for William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island is for it to become an area used by everyone. Fifty-four hectares of high quality, stunning park environment used for passive, creative and sporting activity, accessible by foot from the CBD on the soon to be completed looped walkway - Whangarei’s version of Cornwall Park.

“With the construction of the Lower Hatea River Crossing nearing completion, access to the area has been opened up. The majority of the clay capping of the old landfill is now complete so its use as a great community space is becoming a reality.” said Whangarei District Council Infrastructure and Services Manager Simon Weston.

The park is currently used for a range of activities including soccer, cycling, BMX, skate-boarding, dog exercise and rally events as well as passive recreation.

“It’s now time to look at exactly what will be developed and how it fits with other areas and facilities in the District to provide a balance of passive and active recreation spaces.

“A number of sporting codes are detailing new and existing proposals and requests for facilities in the park,” he said.

“Bike Northland has approached Council through the Long Term Plan process and more recently to support them in developing cycling facilities, including putting in a cyclocross and criterium track and further development of the old paper reclaim building to create a ‘Sportsville’ - where a range of sports cluster together in one location.

“We’ve also been approached by Northland Rugby Union, and Old Boys and Marist rugby clubs to look at the possibility of them relocating to a single facility at Pohe Island.

“They’re looking for a suitable location for clubrooms, training fields and for offices of the NRU. This will facilitate training for the NRU that is currently done elsewhere within the District, and provide wider community benefits.

“Should this be supported through the review process, relocating Old Boys will facilitate the sale of their current site at Okara Park.” said Mr Weston.

The review of the plan will consider the requirements of all users including Bike Northland, Rugby, Soccer, continued use by Rally NZ and the development of further passive recreation space.

“The current management plan is an enabling plan and almost all of these facilities including soccer and rugby fields are already covered. However, the proposal put forward by rugby for a new building, adjacent to the new sports fields will need to go through the plan review. We need to put the proposal forward and discuss it with the community.

“A comprehensive review of the plan will allow a more considered response to the current issues and gives the public the opportunity to be involved in the process.” he said.

Council is currently constructing sports fields at Springs Flat and recently undertook a review of the Kensington Park Management Plan, this review is a continuation of a comprehensive sports park program for the District.

The proposal to review the William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island Management Plan will be taken to Council on February 27.

If given the go ahead Council will start a formal consultation process beginning with seeking stakeholder and public input through April. The draft plan will then be prepared before being released for further public submissions at the end of May.

ENDS

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