A popular Pukekohe park and a neighbouring skatepark are in line for upgrades.
Eke Panuku is gearing up to upgrade Roulston Park and the Pukekohe Skate Park next to it and wants community feedback on what form any improvements should take.
Franklin Local Board chair Andy Baker says Roulston Park suffers from its position on the busy Stadium Drive and East Street roundabout, making access difficult, a problem made worse by a lack of parking for families wanting to use the playground and open space.
“The board developed a concept plan in 2018 for Roulston Park, a historic place of interest with the Pioneer Cottage on site, a playground, toilets, and a World War One memorial. It is also known as a small arboretum or living collection of different trees.
“The plan was based on feedback from community engagement and Eke Panuku will deliver on the plan, but further changes are possible if that is what the feedback suggests.”
Calls to maintain existing trees were a feature of earlier consultation around the park.
Proposed improvements include new paved areas and paths, a renewed and accessible playground, open spaces to sit, eat and interact in, adding shrubs and retaining trees, the cottage, toilets and the memorial, and working with Auckland Transport to make it it safer to get to the parks.
“That could mean reshaping the corner to create space for people waiting to cross and a new footpath to encourage more people to use the park,” Baker says.
Since opening in 2017 Pukekohe Skate Park has become a popular destination for the area’s young people, and suggestions to add to that success include adding basketball facilities, a pop-up café, a pump track or fitness area with equipment.
Baker says nothing has been decided and people with an interest in the parks should take the opportunity to make their opinions known. “The park location and original design was lead by our youth, we want to continue with that theme here”
There is online information here, and residents can complete a survey here.
Consultation closes on 27 March, after which feedback will be reviewed for a report back to the community in May. After that, plans will be further developed ahead of the consenting process, with building work targeted for 2024.
