Hastings gets its first Pocket Park

A pocket park in the heart of the Hastings CBD is to be officially opened on May 2nd 2011.

Funding for the construction of the Warren Street park comes from the $3m set aside for the development of greenspace in the city, following the sale of Nelson Park. The park has been developed with input from the Hastings Landmarks Trust. The Landmarks Trust was created by former Mayor, the late Jeremy Dwyer and is focused on creating civic pride and community identity through incorporating quality architecture, landscape, history and art in public places.

Landmarks chair and Councillor Kevin Watkins says “the park will make a big difference to workers, shoppers and visitors in the eastern part of our CBD”.

“The Landmarks committee had input into the design of the park and is very pleased with the outcome, which includes a greened feature wall, an industrial steel pergola shade, paved, grassed and planted areas, lighting, public seating and a water fountain” Cr Watkins says.
“Creating small, well-designed open spaces at regular intervals in the CBD was the best way to make parks accessible to as many people as possible” Cr Watkins says.

Owner of the newly opened Ya Bon Café, Moise Cerson says” having the park next door to the Café, is a real boost to the business. The park will become a part of everyday life for shoppers and workers who want to take some time out from their hectic day”.

The Warren Street pocket park is the first small park to be constructed in the Hastings CBD..

Mayor Lawrence Yule will officially open the Warren Street Pocket Park at 10am on Monday 2 May 2011, at a “coffee in the park” event, where a limited number of free coffee vouchers will be available thanks to the support of Taste Cornucopia and Anns café. Complimentary French baking will be provided by, café Ya Bon.

Those attending the opening, should collect their coffee from 9:30am so that they have plenty of time to return to the park and collect their French baking prior to the ceremony at 10am.