Lake Whakamaru Reserve could remain closed for summer

Lake Whakamaru Reserve may unfortunately have to remain closed to the public for the summer holiday period. This will be confirmed in late November.

“Council recognises that many in our community would have liked to see the reserve opened, however we cannot compromise on public safety,” said Phil Parker, Council’s Parks and Reserves Manager. “Reinstatement of the reserve is not as yet complete, primarily the piles of slash that have yet to be removed and adequate grass coverage provided with the seed only recently being sown.”

These piles of slash are a fire risk and public safety hazard.

Staff point out that closure for the summer is not a ‘done deal’.

“It is intended to have the slash logs ground for use by the mill for fuelling their burners and the slash has to be completely dry for this to happen. We are monitoring the moisture content,” continued Mr Parker.

“If this slash is dry enough to remove prior to end November, we will open the reserve and re-sow the grass where necessary in autumn,” continued Mr Parker. “If the slash has not been removed, the reserve will have to remain closed.”

Council is very excited to confirm that our application to the Tourism Infrastructure Fund has been approved. Infrastructure upgrades including showers, recycling bins, bbqs and tables – similar to the upgrades at Jones Landing, Waipa and Dunhams Point will also be installed in due course.

Regardless of whether the reserve is open or closed to the public, staff will once again have a compliance presence in the reserve, along with support from the Police.

ENDS. Words: 247