More wide open spaces

A former ostrich farm could become sports pitches, depending on community feedback.
Plans for Manukau's eastern parks are coming on apace, with submissions open soon for the ostrich farm site, and Mangemangeroa and Cascades Rd Reserves expanding.
Submissions open next week for District Plan Change 20, incorporating the undeveloped area of Flat Bush and a former ostrich farm on Murphy's Rd. Council officers hope to make the 49ha farm into a sports area containing at least four and up to seven sports fields. The land was bought for the purpose more than five years ago.
``People seem really positive so far,'' says parks manager Malcolm Page. ``They recognise the need for parks.''
He says the council is still in talks with sports clubs as to which sports fields are likely to go on the ostrich farm site, but a soccer field is likely. Clubrooms are not likely as they are planned for nearby Barry Curtis Park. Instead, a block of shops will be built on the Ormiston Rd corner of the park, with potential for apartments.
The farm also contains a stand of kahikatea and other native trees in one corner. This bush would be retained and made easier for walkers to use, possibly with a crossing to connect it with Murphy's Bush across the road. Before the road was built, the two bush areas were joined. The other heritage section of the area, the old Flat Bush School, will be retained for public use.
District Plan Change 20 also concerns the rezoning of this part of Flat Bush into a more intensive residential area. Many landowners have already sold to developers.
How quickly it grows will be up to developers, says Bruce Harland, manager of the Flat Bush design and development team. However, he expects at least 50ha of land per year to be eaten by housing.
In Pakuranga, the council has just bought land from Pakuranga Country Club to create more walkways. The gorse-ridden area alongside Pakuranga Creek will be made over with a track similar to the one across the road. Mr Page says the council is investigating some kind of crossing over Cascades Rd to enable people to follow tracks from Lloyd Elsmore Park all the way to Botany Downs.
``We'll have a network of walkways across the whole city,'' says Mr Page. ``I believe you'll see people streaming through there.''
The council is also set to acquire more land neighbouring Mangemangeroa Reserve in Somerville, to join up adjacent areas of parkland. A decision will soon be made as to whether the council should purchase the strip now or wait for it to come up for subdivision, when it has the right to acquire the land for an esplanade reserve.
The public has already made submissions on the park's future, especially on the issue of access for dogs. A hearing to discuss the submissions is set for May 8.