Quick repairs for popular path after storm damage

Emergency resource consent is being sought to build a seawall along the Beach Rd Reserve walkway in Matua after recent storms generated a $25,000 repair bill.
Tauranga City Council parks co-ordinator Dianne Paton said $3000 had been spent on repairs at the reserve in June, only for more serious damage to occur during rough weather the following month.
Between July 1 and August 1, more than 10,000 people used the gravel and cobble walkway, which is part of a larger walk stretching from Harbour Drive to Fergusson Park.
On July 29, storm damage meant the 52m section of track running adjacent to Beach Reserve and neighbouring Shaw Reserve had to be closed to the public.
Council contractor Streetsmart Tauranga has since been carrying out repairs.
Manager Larry Farmer said it was hoped the track would re-open to the public by the end of next week.
The contractors are building a wooden tongue-and-groove retaining wall between the pohutukawa trees which line a portion of the track, and replacing the gravel which was washed away.
However, the measure is only temporary so the track can be re-opened.
Ms Paton said for the number of users, the Beach Rd walkway was too narrow and needed to be about two metres in width.
She said council was in the process of developing guidelines for building city walkways.