Opinion sought over draft Western Park Development Plan

Public input into the future development of one of Auckland’s much loved and historic inner-city parks is now open with the launch of the Western Park Development Plan.

The Waitemata Local Board has drawn up a plan for the park which addresses a wide range of opportunities for improvement, such as lighting which drew some public debate last year. For the month of April, public will be encouraged to complete the consultation survey either online atshapeauckland.co.nz or by visiting Studio One Toi Tū on Ponsonby Road .

The purpose of the Western Park Development Plan is to provide clear design guidelines on how Western Park should be improved over the next 10 years and beyond. It aims to facilitate an improved open space that meets the aspirations and goals the community and iwi have for the park.

Waitematā Local Board Chair, Shale Chambers, describes the Western Park Plan as “a large project with plenty for the community to learn about and mull over.”

“Freemans Bay and Ponsonby communities are heavily involved in this consultation because Western Park is considered an extension to back yards. Public feedback is always important and for a park as loved (and as historic) as Western Park, so community support and understanding is imperative.”

A major catalyst for review of park lighting is the age of the wiring and electrics. “Lights in the park were constructed in the 1960’s and are in dire need of replacement, so it is an opportunity to also review how the park is lit and to move forward with the best arrangement for park users” says Local Board Member Vernon Tava.

“We received quite a bit feedback at the end of last year [2014] when the failing lights were questioned. Now that the consultation is open, I hope that those same people will read the plan and complete the feedback survey”.

This consultation is open until 30 April. Copies of the draft Western Park Consultation document and feedback forms are available at local libraries, Studio One Toi Tū and the Waitematā Local Board office and online on www.shapeauckland.co.nz

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