Lake revamp on agenda

Hamiltonians will have a chance to voice their thoughts on the direction of Lake Rotoroa, after Hamilton City Council voted to review the Hamilton Lake Domain - Reserve Management Plan.

Hamilton News' Facebook page followers identified five top themes that need to be looked at: cleaning up the lake, installing shade sails over the playground, installing public barbecues, upgrading the toilets and boosting security.

Council's review process will involve community and stakeholder consultation.

Hamilton City Council's parks and open spaces manager Sally Sheedy said: "Some existing users would like more space. The plan should provide people an opportunity to come forward with any changes they'd like."

Ms Sheedy said the plan was last updated in 2010 but with the community feedback council had received about the lake, it is time for a comprehensive review. The last comprehensive review was in 1994. Since November 2014, the Hamilton Lake Domain averaged 1100 visitors per day.

Council staff said there is an increasing demand for the areas from existing and new user groups, as well as community aspirations to see facilities enhanced.

Hamilton Lake resident and author of 'Hamilton Lake - City Playground', Jeff Taylor said he thinks the council has done their best over the years but there have been few solutions regarding water quality.

"You hear people talking about Hamilton being a dead lake. I think it was inevitable with a shallow lake without much water movement. I think they'll have another look at it now. If they can fix up the water quality that would be good, that algae is not a good look, the warning signs aren't a good look.

"I do like the new playground. I see it's very well attended. I think otherwise everything seems to be ticking over okay."

Councillor Martin Gallagher said the lake had "huge" potential over the next 10-20 years.

"The lake in my view has become an iconic venue and while Hamilton Gardens is an incredible venue, the lake is incredibly special because of its local popularity. I think it has huge potential to reinforce it.

"It's a premier location for the Waikato, what else can we do to make an already beautiful lake even better and more popular than it is? I think we need to look at how we can integrate Innes Common with the lake as a passive recreation space. Have it in such a way it blends. I think we need to be open to ideas and we encourage people to give us ideas. It is certainly one of our jewels in our crown."

The Hamilton Lake Domain and Innes Common are classified as recreation reserves under government act, and reviews of management plans are mandatory. Council staff said the management plans act as a guide for council in making daily and long-term decisions on how the areas are used and developed.

Public consultation will begin in May and run for a month. In June, council plans to summarise submissions and develop a concept plan and draft management plan. The draft plan will be open to public consultation.