Kāpiti Coast District Council's weekly roundup - week of 16 January

RAUMATI ROAD WORKS COMMENCE

Works to upgrade the intersection of Raumati Road, Hillcrest Road and Goldsborough Avenue is scheduled to start this week.

This is the first step in a programme of improvements scheduled for Raumati Road and surrounding areas to address growing traffic volumes and increase safety and accessibility for all users of the road and adjacent pathways.

Works at the intersection include:

• site set up and surveying

• undergrounding of low overhead power/phone services

• the installation of a roundabout

• the addition of pedestrian refuges at each arm of the roundabout

• re-alignment of Goldsborough Avenue

• footpath improvements

• the construction of a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians along the north side of Raumati Road from the Expressway to the Weka Road triangle.

Infrastructure Services Group Manager Sean Mallon says there will be some disruption while these works are carried out but we aim to keep this to a minimum and traffic management will be in place at all times.

Works to upgrade the Weka Road triangle are expected to commence in May 2017 and improvements to the Matai Road T-junction are scheduled to start in June.

“The Raumati Road area links Paraparaumu town centre and State Highway 1 with Raumati Beach, so it’s really important that all users of the road and pathways - pedestrians, cyclists, people on mobility scooters and wheelchairs, motorists and those pushing buggies - can move through the area safely and efficiently,” Mr Mallon says.

All works on Raumati Road should be completed by the end of June 2017, weather depending.

More information and maps showing what specific works will be carried out on Raumati Road are at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/raumatiroadworks

Media contact for more information Susan Owens on 04 296 4676.

TE ĀTIAWA COURTS WORK COMPLETE - photo attached

Te Ātiawa Park courts have had a makeover!

A key initiative in Council’s FutureKāpiti – Long term plan 2015 – 35 was to rebuild and resurface the 10 courts at the Paraparaumu Beach park, which are used for both tennis and netball.

Parks and Recreation Manager Alison Law says it’s been good to complete the work.

“This popular sports facility has undergone a major upgrade over the last year,” she says.

“The old cracked courts have been rebuilt to provide much-improved, fit-for-purpose courts and a multi-use playing surface has been added this year.”

The first phase of work completed last year was removing part of the fencing, digging out the area, removing existing asphalt (enough debris to fill main pool of the aquatic centre incidentally!) compacting underlying layers, and laying subsoil drainage to manage ground water levels. This year an acrylic sports surface called Synpave was applied to the newly laid courts and the new line markings for tennis and netball have been added.

“This work has greatly improved the appeal of this venue and will help ensure it will meet the needs of local sports codes for years to come,” Ms Law says.

Media contact for more information Lucy Townend on 04 296 4630.

ŌTAKI POOL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE
Construction on the Ōtaki Pool’s redevelopment will get underway next month.
The pool’s rebuild is one of four key initiatives selected by the Council and community for development as part of FutureKāpiti – Long term plan 2015 – 35.
The pool will be closed from Friday 24 February for approximately eight months while work is carried out.
Parks and Recreation Manager Alison Law says the pool hall will be rebuilt, access into the building improved, a ramp added to the pool and filtration systems separated.
“The pool is an important facility for residents of Ōtaki and the wider community. We’re committed to upgrading the complex and further enhancing the family-friendly facilities available in Ōtaki.”
The Council is also building a splash pad next to the pool for free public use and is encouraging the community to get involved with the design of the outdoor water park for Ōtaki by filling in forms at the pool or completing the Council’s online survey at www.kapiticoast.aquatics.co.nz
“Our new splash pad will be a great facility for local families and Ōtaki visitors alike. It will be similar to the splash pad in Marine Gardens in Raumati and will have a selection of water play equipment.”
A drop in session will be held at the pool on 25 January at 1.30pm for the community to ask questions about the pool’s rebuild and have their say on the design of the outdoor water park.
Media contact for more information Lucy Townend on 04 296 4630.

YOUTH ENCOURAGED TO THINK BIG
Young people in Kāpiti are being encouraged to ‘think big’ by the Kāpiti Coast Youth Council.

Kāpiti Coast Youth Council is calling for applicants for the contestable Think BIG programme.

Think BIG provides funding and support for young people, individuals or groups aged between 15 and 24, to run a youth-led project that will help deliver positive change in Kāpiti and beyond.

As well as the funding support of up to $2000 the Youth Council will also provide practical workshops to help develop the projects.

A community mentor will be matched based on the skills and expertise they can offer to support the project, there will be regular contact and support from the Think BIG coordinator to help develop project plans and keep the young people on track with project progress.

Projects can be anything that is trying to create positive change in Kāpiti and beyond.

Examples of projects that have been funded in the past include creating awareness of the deaf community for young people, raising awareness about family violence, making a DVD to raise awareness of child poverty and free badminton lessons for younger students.

Applications close on Wednesday February 15 and more information can be found at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/thinkbig

ends

© Scoop Media