Participation urged in park planning

Press, 29 March 1982, Page 2

Participation urged in park planning

The debate in Halswell about the future development of Muir Park, a recreational reserve administered by the Paparua County Council, has prompted the member of Parliament for Selwyn, Miss Ruth Richardson, to circulate in the Halswell area an information sheet advising residents of their opportunities to become involved in planning for the park. The council, issued a draft management plan for the park at the beginning of 1982 after having advertised its intention to do so in the middle of 1981 and after having received 31 submissions from the public. This plan is now open for public objections or suggestions, which must be received by the council by April 14.

Miss Richardson’s recommendation is that “all those with an interest in the type of recreation appropriate to Muir Park should make it their business to look at the draft plan in the council’s offices or at the Halswell

Library and lodge an objection or make a suggestion.” She suggests that people who wish to argue their case before the council in person should put a note on the bottom of their objection or suggestion that they wish to be heard in support of their ideas.

All people who lodge an objection or made a suggestion and have asked to be heard in support of it will have an opportunity to appear before the council. Miss Richardson advises people making objections or suggestions that “the hearings are not formal affairs: it is simply a matter of telling the council how you feel and what you think is most appropriate for Muir Park.” The council will make a final decision about the development of the park after all objections and suggestions have been considered and after having listened to people who wisli to support their objection or suggestion in person.