Playgrounds off limits after cyclone

ON YOUR HORSE: Limited holiday activity options were no obstacle for these three yesterday as they enjoyed a trot along the beach at Okitu. From left, Teifi Clarke on Luna, Toby Lane on Riley and Ella Kaczmar on Jet, all from Lysnar Valley Equestrian. Picture by Liam Clayton

It might be school holidays but children will find play options slightly reduced this year, with the Botanical Gardens playground still closed.

“The Botanical Gardens playground has been closed since Cyclone Gabrielle due to the softfall being washed away, causing a health and safety concern,” said GDC liveable communities director Michèle Frey.

“We are in the process of getting approval for a suitable replacement. GDC is still to remediate Anzac Park, and De Costa and Grant Road reserves, as well as some rural reserves we have not been able to fully assess yet, including Rere Falls and Doneraille Park.”