Council seeks suggestions for parks and reserves

The Waitaki District Council is seeking suggestions from the community until Friday 30 November to help with the development of a Draft Waitaki District Parks and Reserves Management Plan.

Recreation Manager, Erik van der Spek, said the draft plan will help determine the desired mix of values and uses for the District’s Council-managed parks and reserves, while also providing policies and rules for their day-to-day management and concept plans for future development.

Mr van der Spek said at this stage they were seeking feedback on a range of specific questions, as well as providing scope for comments on other issues.

“We want to know what people think about issues like whether or not our parks and reserves should be smoke-free, whether cycling should be allowed in the Oamaru Public Gardens, whether there should be commercial activities allowed (such as cafes) in parks and reserves, where a dog exercise park could be located and what the future of the Gardens’ aviary should be.”

Information about the development of the draft plan, including maps of the areas included and concept plans, is available on Council’s website (under ‘Consultation Issues’). The community can provide feedback by completing the online questionnaire, or by completing a printed copy which is available on Council’s website or at Council services centres.

Council is also holding drop-in sessions for the public in Hampden, Kurow and Oamaru to provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the process. Information about these is available on the website.

Once the opportunity to make suggestions closes on 30 November, Council will develop the Draft Waitaki Parks and Reserves Management Plan. The draft plan will go out for public consultation in February 2013.