After more than 12 months of emergency works to repair a damaged stormwater pipe, Lynn Reserve in Bayview on Auckland's North Shore is reopening to the public.
In June 2019, a tomo (ground subsidence) was discovered in the reserve which stemmed from a damaged underground pipe. CCTV was used to inspect the pipe and a work programme was put in place to repair the existing pipe and install a new and larger pipe.
Due to the pipe’s location, some 10 metres below ground, an extensive construction project began using a combination of open trench and tunneling technology to complete the works. The stream water that would normally flow through the pipe, was diverted using an overland bypass system to create a safe work environment for the construction team.
“As well as installing the new pipe, fish baffles, a new fish ladders and lizard habitat have also been added. The inclusion of these will enable native fish to migrate from the coastal estuary to the open stream to help bring natural fauna back into the valley,” says Auckland Council Healthy Waters General Manager Craig McIlroy.
Councillor Richard Hills, who lives near the reserve, is pleased to see the works nearing completion.
“I am thankful we were able to secure significant regional budget for the emergency works and I’ve been impressed by the works undertaken."
"Council staff, workers and contractors should be congratulated for what they have delivered here under huge pressure,” says Hills.
“It was very unsettling to see what happened, but I’m now excited to see it back in good shape with its stream environment resurrected, protected and future-proofed for climate change impacts.”
“The Bayview community deserves a massive thank you for their patience in dealing with the disruption and still staying positive for the duration of the project.”
New playground
While the reserve was closed, Kaipātiki Local Board upgraded the reserve’s playground. This included installing a new rope-climber, swings, double-slide, tunnels, in-ground trampoline, balance beams, and more under the red shadesails.
Kaipātiki Local Board Chair John Gillon is pleased with the works and thanks everyone involved. “We are looking to hold a celebration event once the fences come down, to thank the Bayview community who have been very patient during these prolonged works.”
Staged reopening
While the reserve, along with its playground and a section of the perimeter learn-to-ride path is now open, the main grassed area of the reserve will remain fenced off until before Christmas to allow new grass seed to bed in and grow.
The portion of the Glenfield Coastal Walkway (end of Glendhu Road to Lynn Reserve) has reopened, as has the track from the back of the playground to Anne McLean Road through Leigh Scenic Reserve. However, other tracks in Leigh Scenic Reserve remain closed for now due to Kauri dieback mitigation.
Work to upgrade and reopen the tracks has been delayed due to the council’s emergency budget and is now expected to begin in late 2022.
New pedestrian crossing
Auckland Transport will soon restart the delayed Lynn Road pedestrian crossing project, a project delayed by the tomo event. When completed, the crossing will connect both halves of Lynn Reserve, providing safe passage across Lynn Road for local residents and park users.
