Bring on Windsor Park ideas

A long-term plan for Windsor Park, in the middle of Hastings, is being put together and Hastings District Council wants ideas from residents. PHOTO/TIM WHITTAKER, tim.co.nz

Ideas are coming in thick and fast for the future of Windsor Park in the middle of Hastings, with more than a week to go before submissions close.

The 26-hectare park includes sports fields off both Sylvan Rd and Windsor Ave, the disused Sylvan Rd netball courts, buildings used by community organisations including MenzShed and the Coffin Club, a skating rink, the Windsor Park Stream with its two historic bridges, and the new Lions Playground on the corner of Sylvan Rd and Grove Rd.

It is also home to the separately managed Top 10 Holiday Park and Splash Planet which are not part of the consultation. Those facilities have their own plans.

An open day was held at the park and letters sent to residents in the park's neighbourhood and interest groups asking them to put their ideas forward.

Acting mayor Sandra Hazlehurst was very pleased with the input and keen to hear more.

"Windsor Park is one of our premium parks. We encourage our community to offer their ideas on what they would like the park to look like in the future."

Hastings District Council parks manager Colin Hosford said submissions so far had included asking council to look at connecting the areas with walking tracks, improving carparking, whether an off-lead dog area could be included, putting in a small community playground at the Terrace Rd end of the park, improving access to areas in the centre of the park such as the skating rink, and investigating putting a community recreation hub on the old netball court land.

Mr Hosford said Hastings District Council's management and upgrading of parks and reserves is focused on providing excellent public spaces for community use.

"Windsor Park is a strategic asset serving our whole community and those best-placed to give us ideas are those who use it every day; or would be more likely to use it if we make some changes."

To make a submission (by July 7) see: www.myvoicemychoice.co.nz/windsorpark