A plan to improve the network of local paths in parks to better connect communities in Whau has been agreed to by Whau Local Board.
The routes have been identified as part of a review of the Whau Local Board Path Plan, formerly known as the Whau Greenways Plan.
The review updated the existing plan, which was first created in 2015.
Priority routes
It identifies nine priority routes within or between parks in the Whau as key connections for recreation and active transport, outlining actions that should be prioritized to improve each route.
Actions contained within the review recommend either funding to improve existing or creating new paths within local parks and green corridors, or advocating to Auckland Transport to create the paths within the road corridor.
The nine routes are:
- Te Whau Pathway
- New Lynn to Avondale
- Onewherowhero (Kelston)
- Manawa to Avondale
- Pukehuhu (Miranda)
- Blockhouse Bay
- Green Bay
- Whakaputanga
- Rewarewa (from Fruitvale)
Bring communities together
Whau Local Board Chair, Kay Thomas says that the prioritization of the paths will bring communities together.
“With the current level of intensification of Whau it is important that the community has access to our parks and that there are logical connections and routes within them.
“This is about enabling a network of paths that can be used for walking, cycling and other active modes of transport, that are both within nature but that can also connect with wider transport infrastructure.
“We are all aware of the financial limitations placed on the board because of the impact of COVID-19, so using the funding we do have available needs to be strategic and generate maximum benefits for the community we serve. That’s a sensible approach.
“It also means that we will advocate to Auckland Transport where it controls the land to improve the network and look to a partnership approach to helping connect our communities through this programme,” she says.
