A number of sites around the region remain closed following the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year.
Council Liveable Communities director Michele Frey says work has started to clear these sites of woody debris and silt, so grass can be resown, and in some cases, the land made more stable.
“Heavy machinery will be used so these parks and reserves remain closed until work is complete.”
“The time frames for when they will reopen vary depending on how much work is required at each park. We will update you as work is completed so areas can reopen.”
“Until then, our website has alternative park areas that are open and can be enjoyed safely.”
She says one of the many beautiful things about our region is the amount of green open spaces we have available to the public.
“We want them back in good shape so they’re safe and fun for everyone to enjoy again. We were hit hard as a region by two significant cyclones this year and the recovery process for our parks is now underway.”
“We thank you for your patience.”
Anzac Park will be closed until the end of June 2023 while silt is removed and grass is resown on the park.
Doneraille Park has been closed to the public since Cyclone Gabrielle when bridge access was destroyed.
There are still significant volumes of silt and woody debris at the site that need to be removed. They expect this site to be closed for the duration of winter while it is cleared and grass resown.
De Costa Park, the small reserve at the junction of Fitzherbert Street and Clifford Street, is closed.
The area has been regraded and resown with grass seed. Please do not move waka or racks onto the area so the grass has a chance to grow.
Botanical Gardens Playground has been closed since the soft fall was washed away during Cyclone Gabrielle. This has been re-ordered however it is not expected to arrive until mid-June.
Turanga Gardens, located on Hospital Hill by Diana Drive, remains closed since Cyclone Gabrielle because of a risk of falling debris with slips and potential fall risks due to sinkholes. This area requires tree work and improvements to make the land more stable.
Rere Falls and Rere Rockslide are closed. While Council only has control to close the picnic area portions of these two attractions, it is recommended no one uses the rockslide over winter due to debris in the water and coming downstream. The picnic areas in these two locations need to be relocated. Titirangi/Kaiti Hill has some tracks that are still closed. The closed tracks are signposted so please keep a lookout for signs until tree work and track maintenance is carried out.
Michele says extreme care is still required along city beaches.
“Wood is still being washed ashore and we are mindful that we are heading into winter which will bring more rain and more wood.”
“The next Council clean-up of the beaches will be before Labour Weekend in October, which will also be weather dependant.”
“Until then, please ensure no children or animals play on the logs, especially those by the water line as any waves make them mobile and they are extremely heavy.”
