A comprehensive plan for Western Springs Lakeside Te Wai Ōrea Park has been adopted by Waitematā Local Board at its business meeting on 18 August 2020.
The plan provides a vision and action plan to guide improvements to the park and outlines key areas of focus including water quality, wildlife, the park as a refuge from the city, connectivity, events and recognition of the park’s significant history.
Local board chair Richard Northey says the plan is a blueprint for a cohesive approach within the park over the short, medium and long term and is the result of extensive community and stakeholder consultation.
“Western Springs Lakeside Te Wai Ōrea Park is one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most well-loved parks and it is a significant site within our local board area.
“We commissioned the plan to provide an overarching vision for the park based on priorities identified by mana whenua, stakeholders and the community during consultation over 2017, 2018 and 2019.
“The plan doesn’t propose major changes but rather seeks improvements to ensure continued visitor satisfaction and restored ecological health, with a particular focus on water quality.
“We received some feedback from the community on the retention of the iconic double hump bridge. We’re pleased to say that the well-loved bridge will remain as there is an alternative accessible route and we will investigate signage options to make this clear.
“The board also agreed on an amendment to clarify that any upgrade to the existing path through the forest will only be considered once a management plan for the pines has been decided and we have consulted with the community on route options.”
Improvements outlined in the plan include:
- Buffer and emergent planting around the lake edge to reduce harmful sediment and nutrient levels in the water
- Enhancing the northern side of the lake as a green refuge with wetland restoration and cherry trees planted alongside Fukuoka Garden
- Renewals of pathways and footbridges to meet modern accessibility standards and to improve visitor experience. (The double hump bridge will be retained).
- New infrastructure, including removable bollards and three-phase power and water connections, to assist with popular events held at the park like Pasifika Festival and the Teddy Bears Picnic
- Signage and wayfinding improvements that articulate the park’s history and significance to mana whenua
- Early renewal of the existing playground with ecologically themed play equipment and more accessible features.
Read the Western Springs Lakeside Te Wai Ōrea Park Development Plan at our website. The final plan, including the amendments, will be online soon.
