Work is set to begin on a nature trail and naturalisation project at Hillcrest’s Monarch Park.
Enhancements to the park’s existing ‘enchanted forest’ on the southern side of the reserve will include teepee frames and stacks for hut building, ‘hotels’ for butterflies, bees, weta and lizards, and refurbishment of the existing play features.
Kaipātiki Local Board Chair John Gillon says contractors hope to have the work done by the end of July.
“Monarch Park is already a family-friendly place that connects us to nature and the outdoors. These improvements are going to add to the experience.”
“The changes will create a naturalised area at the forest entrance that will include a planted butterfly meadow and we’ll see a nature trail through the northern side that will include balancing poles and beams, a log scramble, and an entrance gateway feature,” he says.
“I’d like to thank the Monarch Park Placemaking Group, Glenfield Lions, and others from the community who have helped to get this fantastic project to this point.”
A concept design was approved by the local board to trial an area for naturalisation and to provide nature spaces and trails. The paths also include a raised timber trail with balance poles and beams, and a log scramble that makes use of a willow tree that fell in the park.
“The planting programme has been recommended by an ecologist to attract bees and butterflies and is based on a concept already used at Tuff Crater in Northcote, and which was developed in collaboration with the Monarch Park Placemaking Group,” Gillon explains.
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