Less seedy, more snazzy

Many know it as the creepy inner-city park with the kindergarten, but this may soon change. Valerie Schuler takes a peek at what's in store for Myers Park
Marie and Ron Hood have a picturesque view over Myers Park from their Greys Ave apartment. Over the past 17 years, they have observed many changes at the inner-city location. Although they love the park and its grand old trees, the Hoods agree it could do with a little love.
``The empty caretaker's cottage is not very good,' says Mrs Hood. ``And the park could certainly do with some picnic tables, chairs and rubbish bins.'
The Hoods are not alone. A recent survey found the majority of visitors to the would like to see some changes. One local business association wants to take Myers Park under its wing, and has come up with a range of options to make it safer and more attractive.
``It's currently a bit of a `no man's land' and would really benefit if a community group took ownership,' says Barbara Holloway of the K Road Business Association, which conducted a survey of 200 park regulars earlier this year. One suggestion is leasing out the old caretaker's cottage near Scotia Place. Currently, the building sits derelict and empty with its wall covered in graffiti.
``Leasing the cottage would lessen the opportunity for vagrants and substance abusers to loiter, and help project a sense of locals' ownership of the park,' says Mrs Holloway.
Mrs Hood says a cafe would be lovely, too. But there are no set plans. Auckland City Council says it will eventually lease the cottage to a community group. Dance classes and other community events, a toilet upgrade, new seating and signs plus regular safety patrols are also on the business association's wish-list.
``It's a beautiful park and we want to help look after it,' says Mrs Holloway.
The council plans could also include improvements to the park's entrances, lighting and paving.
The toilet is scheduled for replacement in the next two years.
``The council has welcomed feedback from the K Road Business Association about the management of the park and will continue to work closely with the association as a key stakeholder,' says the manager of parks services, Mark Bowater.
``However, it is the council's role to manage Myers Park, and it would not be able to delegate its statutory responsibility for managing it to another body.'
Mrs Hood says she looks forward to progress and will be keeping a close watch from her balcony.
07 05 2009