In December, the local board made a decision on a new entranceway to Salisbury Reserve in Herne Bay.
As part of the decision making process a Parking Utilisation Report was commissioned to better understand parking availability. The resulting data revealed that the total number of vehicles informally parked in all areas of the reserve never exceeded the total number of parking spaces available on-street within 200m of the site, even during peak use of the Herne Bay Petanque clubrooms.
We know that Probus and the petanque club members are concerned about parking especially for their many elderly visitors. We’ve therefore requested that Auckland Transport explores options for mobility parking and the local board is working to improve accessibility into the clubrooms. We’ve made a decision that takes a long-term view of the value of parkland in our city’s future.
The council’s annual budget consultation is coming up from 17 February. This is the opportunity to give feedback on whether we have got our priorities right. We’re not proposing major changes to the existing work programme for 2019/2020 as we continue to deliver the projects identified in the 2017 Waitemat-a Local Board Plan.
Developing 254 Ponsonby Road as a civic space remains our major local initiative. Activating, improving and renewing our parks, guided by our Park Development Plans, will continue to be a focus. There is budget earmarked to upgrade the playgrounds at Western Springs Lakeside Park and Home Street Reserve, provide pathways in Basque Park and commence building of the Grey Lynn Park changing rooms.
Our stream restoration projects will continue, and we’ve got a new project underway to enhance the Western Springs-Meola-Three Kings Aquifer. Through our grants programme, we’ll support community and arts groups and local events, as well as stage our two flagship events - Parnell Festival of Roses and Myers Park Medley (a family friendly, free event on Sunday 17 February). We’re funding a new arts partnership with TAPAC and increased library hours at Grey Lynn Library and the Central City Library.
We’ll also continue investigating opportunities to reduce agrichemical use, including advocating to the Governing Body to take a regional approach to agrichemical-free park maintenance.
For information on the Annual Budget 19/20 consultation and engagement events visit the Auckland Council website. (PIPPA COOM)