We support having more recreational facilities at The Lakes and are working to identify where these can be provided. Indoor community facilities will be considered as part of a wider plan for this area and were not included in this survey.
Thank you for taking part in the recent community survey about the Recreation at the Lakes project. The purpose of the survey was to find out how often you use the reserves at the Lakes and any improvements you would like to see made. Your feedback will help us to ensure any new or enhanced facilities reflect the community's needs.
Our community survey was open from March 2022 to April 2022 and received 142 responses, with 96% of those responses from Lakes, Tauriko and Pyes Pa residents.
Key findings:
- All of the 18 neighbourhood reserves listed were used by one or more of the respondents.
- Caslani Reserve was the most popular reserve and was used by 71% of respondents
- 68% of respondents walked to their preferred reserve.
- Most popular use of reserves was to ‘exercise’ or run, with 77% of respondents using the reserves for this purpose, followed by 72% visiting playgrounds.
- Most popular request for additional facilities at reserves was picnic tables (59% of respondents), followed by more trees (53%), shade sails (48%), seats (47%), drinking fountains (44%), BBQ (37%), play equipment (35%) and gardens (22%).
- We also asked for feedback on where a basketball court could be installed and located in the Lakes – with regards to the location and of the three locations suitable for a basketball court, of the 125 respondents to this question, most respondents preferred Orangapani Reserve, because of the central location and the amount of open space available (58% liked it at Orangapani, 29% didn’t mind, 13% disliked this location). The next popular reserve was at Matatu (45% liked it at Matatu, 32% didn’t mind, 24% disliked this location).
- You asked for better network connections at a number of places. The most requested location was across State Highway 29 at the Kennedy Road roundabout. Other requests were better routes to connect schools between Pyes Pa Road and the Lakes, a connection from the Summit through to Kennedy Road and the Crossing, as well as a walkway connection from Penetaka Heights across Pikimai to Kennedy Road.
- Some specific suggestions for seating, drinking fountains and shade along the walkways were provided.
From the community survey findings:
- A pump track has been installed near the playground at Orangapani Reserve and where the new basketball half court has been placed.
- A number of improvements have taken place across various reserves and walkway locations. This includes more shade, drinking fountains, BBQ facilities, picnic tables and seats.
- We’ll investigate the practicality of your suggested network improvements within the reserves network. We’ll also work with other agencies like Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on other improvements such as connections over state highways.
Other things happening in your community:
- The loop walkway connection from Penetaka Heights around the new stormwater reserve has opened. The long-term goal is to identify a safe connection to Kennedy Road.
- Work has commenced on the Pyes Pa walkway network and Stage 4, which connects into the Lakes, is estimated to be complete in 2024/2025.
- You can see other long term proposed network connections at Tauriko for tomorrow.
- Council has identified an appropriate location for a destination skate park at the corner of Hull and Mount Maunganui Roads, Mount Maunganui. Enabling works have started with construction taking place from June 2023, and completion expected in March 2024. You can find out more at Destination skate park project.
Caslani Reserve
Work to upgrade Caslani Reserve is expected to begin in early October. It involves adding BBQs, new tables and seating, new paths and a new covered pergola near the existing playground. It’s expected this upgrade will be complete by the end of 2023.
Orangapani Reserve pump track
From October 2022 to March 2023, Council monitored the use of the pump track. The pump track has become very popular with the community, young and old, skaters and non-skaters. It’s great to see the community fully utilising this amenity.
The advanced track provides 79 metres of riding experience and includes a two-metre safety zone on each side of the track.
Please follow our user guidelines for the pump track:
- The track is only for use on bikes, scooters, skateboards or rollerblades and is not suitable for vehicles with three wheels, such as tricycles or bikes with training wheels.
- Go-karts and motorised vehicles are not allowed on the track.
- Wear a helmet at all times. Use of additional protective gear such as kneepads and elbow pads is also encouraged.
- Maximum of six riders on the track at any one time.
- Keep a safe distance between yourself and other riders.
- Parents/guardians should monitor their children at all times.
- Do not ride the track in wet weather or poor light conditions.
- Ride in the same direction at all times and watch for other riders when entering and exiting the track.
- No smoking or glass is allowed within and around the track area.
- Do not enter the centre area of the track.
- Only ride within your ability and be in control at all times.
- If any hazard or damage is detected on or around the track, the rider must stop, exit and contact Tauranga City Council immediately.
- Roller sports, including riding on the pump track, are risky. Use of the pump track is at the rider’s own risk.