A concept plan for the development of a reserve as part of the Waiata Shores Masterplan has been approved by Papakura local Board.
The plan, prepared by Wāhi Wairua and Fletcher Living, includes a playground, toilet block and the construction of open space, with the board approving the assets being vested in council ownership on completion.
“It’s a lovely plan and the area is certain to become a valuable asset for the neighbouring community,” board chair Brent Catchpole says.
“Open space is becoming more and more valuable as we see housing increasingly concentrated into smaller areas.
“We can be guilty of taking it for granted in a community like ours, which has easy access to country areas, but having open and green spaces on hour doorstep is especially valuable.”
Fletcher Living produced a concept plan for the development of open space including a playground and associated structures as part of its Waiata Shores development.
The concept plan focuses on land the council already owns, but which Fletcher Living will develop on its behalf.
The specific site, ‘Stage 4B’, is at the southern end of the development and borders the Waiata Shores Esplanade Reserve and Papakura Stream to the west, the Pahurehure Inlet to the south, and Stage 4 of the Waiata Shores Residential Subdivision to the north.
The concept plan contains conventional playground equipment, kick-around space, walkways and seating, urban ngahere, a pump track, educational learning specific to the area, and other associated landscaping features.
It proposes traditional play structures with a focus on providing opportunities for users of different ages and abilities.
As a significant vertical element, a tower provides a focal point for the playground and a way-finding marker in the local landscape without compromising view shafts.
The playground, pump track and reserve are all within walking distance of the Waiata Shores subdivision. Pedestrian and bike access is provided from the existing path, proposed to extend around and through the reserve to meet a path that will run the southern boundary of the road reserve at Waituarua Drive.
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