Hamurana lakefront spruce up ready for summer

Residents will be able to enjoy the improved Hamurana lakefront reserve this summer. Photo / Supplied

Residents will be able to enjoy the improved Hamurana lakefront reserve this summer with upgrade work on track to be finished in the next couple of months.

Rotorua Lakes Council said the reserve makeover to make the area a safer, more user-friendly space began in May.

The council worked in collaboration with local iwi Ngāti Rangiwewehi, the Hamurana and Awahou Residents and Ratepayers Association, and the wider community to ensure the subtle changes enhanced the reserve without changing the space too much.

The section of new multi-use lime chip walkway from the playground to the boat ramp is finished and ready for full use and is suitable for walkers, runners, scooters and bikes.

The path is also suitable for wheelchairs and other mobility devices however some assistance may be required through the gully areas.

Some trees and vegetation that were either pests or impacting the reserve with low lying canopies have been lifted or removed.

The remnants of the old houses have been removed and the areas levelled.

Wooden fencing has been erected in places around the reserve to restrict vehicle access.

This was a priority for the community due to vehicles causing damage to the park and creating safety issues, especially near the children's playground.

Several wooden benches and four picnic tables have been added along the reserve with funding from the Rotorua Lakes Community Board which helped contribute to the playground refresh including additional play equipment, a water fountain with a dog bowl and planting around the area.

Natural materials were chosen for the upgrade to maintain the lakeside character of the reserve.

During the last few months vehicle access on the reserve has reduced however there are still a number of vehicles and motorbikes accessing and causing damage to the park. The new wooden fencing has helped to restrict some access and regulatory signage will also help to remind motorists where they can and can't go.

If residents are concerned about vehicles and motorbikes on the reserve they should report it to the Police by phoning *555.

The second section of the walkway from the boat ramp west towards the Hauraki stream (Fryer Rd end), is under way. This section is expected to be complete by summer.

Directional and regulatory signage is being finalised and will be installed around the reserve to help direct users.

What's still to come:

An Interpretive sign with focus on the historic Hauraki stream will be completed during summer in collaboration with Ngāti Rangiwewehi.

Planting along the reserve is still to come and the community's participation will be encouraged. Residents directly opposite areas due for planting will be consulted prior to any new vegetation going in.

Funds have been allocated in the council's 2018-2029 Long-term Plan which will help to mitigate erosion along the lake edge. This will be carried out as a separate project at a later date.

A celebration to mark the completion of the project is scheduled to take place once the refresh work is finished. This is likely to happen during the summer and the community will be kept up to date with event details as they are finalised.