Can you please advise what development is being undertaken on the Shore Rd Reserve, next to the rugby and cricket fields, close to the junction of Portland and Shore Rds? A few years ago this was swamp and scrub. It was drained, and then recently used as access for the sewage pipeline upgrade and subsequent demolition of the pipeline across Hobson Bay. I cannot find any reference to the final plans on the Auckland Council website. I trust that this "flat" parcel of land, and the other small park across the road from it will be turned into playing fields, with surrounding trees, similar to the excellent set up at the neighbouring parks of Shore Rd and Bloodworth Park. Richard Humphries, Remuera.
Watercare Services is in the process of finalising the reinstatement of the eastern end of this park, which is known as Shore Rd Reserve.
After completion removal of the pipe bridge across Hobson Bay, the walkways in the park have been reinstated and the bulk of the area has been sown with grass.
In autumn, native coastal species will be planted around the coastal margin.
The purpose of the landscaping is to return it to use as a dog exercise area and it will not be used for sports fields. The area is zoned Open Space 2, and a plan change would be required before the site could be used for sports fields. This also applies to Waitaramoa Reserve which is on the opposite side of Shore Rd from this site.
The floral clock in Albert Park has always been a stand-out feature, which adults and children delight in seeing. I noticed that the hands and central shaft are missing and the clock face appears to be just one more flowerbed. Is this a temporary arrangement while the clock is being serviced or is it a victim of cost cutting? Tony Price, Auckland.
The Albert Park floral clock has suffered from repeated vandalism since its installation in 1953. The Auckland Council is calling for quotes to repair the latest vandal attack which resulted in the theft of the clock arms.
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Given the history of vandalism of the clock, a long-term solution needs to be found for future repairs and these will be investigated.
The grass on Mt Eden has become very long since all the cattle were moved off the mountain, and will soon become a fire danger. What will be done to remove this danger and who will pay? Bruce Turner, Mt Eden.
Manual mowing on Mt Eden/Maungawhau is carried out monthly, with less in winter and more over spring and summer.
The grazing cattle were removed in May 2009 to reduce damage to the archaeological features.
The Auckland Council, with input from the New Zealand Fire Service, has been managing the growth of the grasses and the drying out over summer to prevent a fire risk.
There are several activities that assist in the control of the fire risk and these include a mix of hand and machine mowing, and a long-term programme of planting low-growing, ground-cover plants and native rice grass which don't require grazing control. This all reduces the amount of potential dry fuel on the mountain.
The costs have been met through the council's volcanic landscape maintenance budget.