Park plan meets approval

 

A recent open day to display the vision and promote the management plan for  Mangawhai Park was well patronised and generally warmly accepted says steering committee chairman Jim Wintle.

“We are now concentrating on the area east of the skate park,” he says. “It’s a process we have to follow and the open days let everyone have a say, share ideas and get a first-hand look at the proposed plan. We know you can’t please everyone but it’s a project for all the community to enjoy so community input is important.”

In time the Mangawhai Artists group will become established within the old church which will be moved adjacent to the new museum and, with other buildings likely to join it, will become an area of historical significance.

A site for the St John station has been allocated which leaves plans for bike paths, playgrounds and other future ancillary buildings to be discussed and accepted by the working committee.

Jill MacPherson is currently collating comments and any new proposals from questionaires handed out at the open day, after which the plan will be presented to the Kaipara Commissioners for ratification.

The Park covers quite a large tract of land so, as well as the establishment of a recreational and functional centre, those involved in the project are also aware of protecting the valuable natural features of the site. This is one of the main points within the master plan which, while it is a long- term undertaking, will go a long way towards linking the Heads with the Village for a more unified Mangawhai.