Clifton Bay

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33002, 23 August 1972, Page 12

Clifton Bay

Sir, —We, children of Clifton Bay and Hill, protest about the ugly signs erected on the Clifton Bay green Crohibiting all ball games. A ideous triangle planted with prickly cacti has also appeared to keep us away. As there are similar signs on the beach forbidding every game children like, where are we supposed to play? We are now confined to playing our ball games on the footpaths and roads, as Sumner Park is a mile from us. Perhaps a new sign will soon appear prohibiting children themselves! The green used to be a popular playingground. Now it is empty and sad-looking. What harm do we do? Surely children are better to see than signs.— Yours, etc., KIRSTEN AND 14 OTHERS.

August 14, 1972. [The Town Clerk of Christchurch (Mr M. B. Hayes) replies: “Some years ago, Clifton Reserve contained several flower beds with annual plantings. These beds were removed only because of the increasing difficulties of providing sufficient water for the plantings. However, it was considered that some additional form of planting was desirable in the reserve, and the present development, using succulents and other drought resistent plants, has been carried out for this purpose. It is anticipated that these plantings, when matured, will be complementary to the tree and shrubs already established. This reserve is primarily for recreation of a passive nature, and because of its relatively small size and the roads on all sides, ball games In particu-

lar are neither practicable nor desirable. The notices, which are the standard park sign of neat and tidy construction, were erected in the interests of road safety because regular ball games, including football, were being played there. This was also causing undue damage to the turf. The signs on the beach have been erected pursuant to a council by-law which prohibits specific ball games likely to be a danger or nuisance to the general public. The beach is still available for general play activities, including games with soft balls providing these cause no danger or annoyance to other users. The council looks upon children as persons of importance and does a great deal in their interests. At the same time it must also consider the welfare of all other sections of the community.”]