Editorial: Plans polish a jewel

Mount Maunganui is a jewel for Bay of Plenty. Photo / File

Mount Maunganui is the jewel in the Western Bay's crown and three stories have added some extra sparkle this week.

On Tuesday, we revealed a vision for the Phoenix Carpark in Mount Mainstreet - a transformation into a community space where shoppers, workers and holidaymakers could relax.

While the carpark is convenient, it's also visually bland tarseal with a $6.5 million price tag.

The natural beauty of the Mount is what makes it so appealing and bringing some of this into the mainstreet seems like a more fitting idea than further shopping developments.

It would also be great to see the area made suitable for outdoor concerts and the continuation of the Mount Farmers' Market in a more scenic environment.

Yesterday, we updated readers on the progress of the controversial boardwalk along Pilot Bay. I was on the fence when it came to the idea of losing any green space along the iconic harbour strip but the wooden boardwalk appears to merge well into the natural environment.

It will also make it easier for those who struggle with uneven surfaces and pram pushers to enjoy a stroll.

This week, the council also decided to impose restrictions on freedom camping along eastern Marine Parade. Motor-homers will be banned from parking there during the peak season from December 1 to February 8.

This seems like a fair compromise. Parking spots along the popular stretch of beach need to be freed up for beachgoers to come and go without walking through a camp site.

There are other places for motor-homers to park overnight in the Western Bay but those wanting a prime spot can pay for it at one of the camping grounds.

Let's hope the newly elected council comes up with more fresh ideas for the future of this region's treasure.