A new park at Papahua (Belmont) in Pukekohe will be among the most significant outdoor space developments in the region over the coming years.
Franklin Local Board wants Papahua to serve the needs of the growing community well into the future.
It has opened consultation on a proposed $5 million development as it puts a masterplan to guide long-term improvements and future investment decisions for the park in place.
Board chair Angela Fulljames says the plan will provide open access, sport and recreational opportunities to meet the needs of new and future residents.
“We want any masterplan design to consider ways we can reflect cultural heritage and provide a safe and secure environment.”
Board Pukekohe subdivision representative and deputy chair Alan Cole says ideas for new facilities include indoor sports space, shared walking and cycling pathways, and recreation and play opportunities.
“We have things in mind, but our views aren’t the most important. That rest with those who live in the area, and who will make use of the park.
“There’s no use board members saying we need a swing and a sandpit if that’s not what the community wants, and it’s certainly okay to have grander ideas than that.”
Fellow Pukekohe subdivision member Logan Soole says the level of investment reflects the board’s commitment to the area.
“New subdivisions come incomplete. It takes putting all the infrastructure in place, the footbridge, the schools playgrounds and even shops, to turn a collection of homes into a community.”
His colleague Andrew Kaye says the draft plan that forms the basis for consultation is already quite involved.
“It features picnic, barbecue and hangout spaces. It makes space for trees and vegetation, while ensuring there’s parking and adequate signage and seating. But no plan is ever perfect, and locals may have ideas we simply haven’t thought of.”
The fourth Pukekohe subdivision member, Amanda Kinzett, says understanding how locals might use the space, and what facilities they would most like to see, will guide any final plan.
“That might be things about how we share the space and who with, dog walkers, keep fit fans, families, bike riders and others. Do we need a pump track or basketball hoop?”
Fulljames says families have different play needs and many facilities cater well for children but are less ideal or older youth. “It’s about how we cater for as many people and sets of needs as we can.”
Consultation is open until 16 December here and there is an open day on Saturday from 10am-1pm at Pukekohe library. Building the new park should start in 2026 and be complete in 2029.
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