Maclean Park makeover opinions sought

A pond and community kiosk in Maclean Park, Paraparaumu Beach.

A draft plan sees Paraparaumu Beach's Maclean Park pond and wooden community kiosk removed to make way for an interactive all seasons water play feature and other recreational opportunities.

The Maclean Park draft reserve management plan 2017, crafted after extensive public feedback, outlines a framework for the long-term development of the park including a significant makeover on many fronts.

One of the ideas is the removal of the pond which has been a feature in the park for many years.

"Originally built in 1963, the boating pond leaks water at a rapid rate and various attempts to repair this have not been successful," the plan said.

"It is evident there are different opinions in the community as to whether there should be a pond or not, but it is clear that the provision of a water play facility of some kind is a popular idea.

"As a result of feedback from the local community the inclusion of "water play" has been addressed in the development plan.

"The pond will be removed to allow space for other recreation opportunities and for water play to be included."

And the wooden kiosk, which has been built over the pond, would be removed in future development.

"The kiosk was originally constructed to service the fun park activities that once operated in the park.

"It is elevated over the pond and the foundation posts are in poor condition.

"The building shell was repaired in 2014 after being damaged by fire in an arson attack."

Some of the other 22 ideas are a new amenities structure including showers, toilets and a pergola for people using the playground, improved carparking, an older person's playground, a high quality pedestrian path from the top of Maclean St to Kapiti Boating Club, a new terrace area on Fish n' Chip Hill to enhance sea views, support a Kapiti Island gateway/visitor centre, relocate boat launching access to the northern end, an upgraded skatepark, a new scooter track, relocate and improve the basketball area, a covered barbecue area.

The plan wasn't identified in the FutureKapiti Long Term Plan 2015-35 meaning budget will need to be allocated to any recommendations that come out of the review process.

Further investigation of costs would happen in the detailed design but the focus of this stage is to find out what the community wants the park to be in the future.

A formal consultation period on the draft plan is now underway with submissions closing on Tuesday, October 3 at 4pm.

If you'd like to have your say, you can provide feedback by:

Completing the formal online consultation form at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/maclean-park-refresh

Completing a hard copy submission form, available from local libraries and council service centres.