Remember how last years MATARIKI STORM destroyed parts of the Island Bay seawall? AS PART OF THE RECOVERY PROCESS, WCC is using this unfortunate event to explore ways to improve the use of the area for everyone. FROM THE WCC PRESS RELEASE - A 200-metre stretch of The Esplanade on Island Bay’s foreshore could be closed to traffic from June till the end of September in a trial that could, if successful, lead to the permanent closure of the road and the ‘linking’ of Shorland Park to the beach. The Environment Committee Chair, Councillor Iona Pannett, says the trial would enable the Council to assess traffic impacts – but also enable the public to get a taste of how the area “could work” if decisions are ultimately made to redevelop the area. The Council’s Climate Change Portfolio Leader, and a Southern Ward Councillor, David Lee, says the trial could lead to significant changes to the beach and foreshore – with the possible reinstatement of sand dunes that could more readily cope with storm surges and expected rises in sea levels. Fellow Southern Ward Councillor Paul Eagle, who lives on The Esplanade and chairs the Council’s Community, Sport and Recreation Committee, says the situation presents a unique opportunity for the community to positively shape the future look of Shorland Park, the nearby dog area – “Poo Park” – and to explore options for the former Island Bay surf club building that currently sits on the beach. “We want to create a premier park for families so I’d like to see local children expressing their ideas – many in the community have fond memories of the former kids paddling pool – and connecting it to the beach could provide better spaces for playing and swimming, walking and relaxing. -- A disaster, even a small scale one like this, presents a REAL OPPORTUNITY for communities to create a better and more resilient place to live, work and play. We love your progressive thinking, Wellington City Council. Make sure to have your say in the process! - Dan
Posted on: Fri, 09 May 2014 21:00:43 +0000
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