Improvements to Riccarton playgrounds planned

Press, 17 April 1984, Page 4

Improvements to Riccarton playgrounds planned

Improvements to several playgrounds and reserves in Riccarton are likely within the next two years. The' community and development committee of the Riccarton Borough Council decided at its meeting yesterday, to'study the improving of four playgrounds and reserves."

It has been recommended that a public meeting be called to improve the Peverel Street playground. ~ At present the main open space is uneven and several pieces of equipment are unsatisfactory, such as the cable reel being too high for the children, pipes wrongly positioned, lack of connecting links between pieces of equipment, and an unhygienic pit in the fort The meeting will discuss

play area designs, new earthworks, dismantling the stockade and mound, and the provision of a large open space for ball games. No date has been set for the meeting. More than 300 children under the age of 15 live in the neighbourhood. Plans for the Leamington Street playground include a lunch and picnic area, swings, fort and mound, flying fox, cable reels, and .tables and seats. . The plan will be discussed with the playground advisory committee. In order to enhance the Walsall Street reserve it was suggested that the adjacent property, be added to the present reserve and the area be landscaped again. It was also suggested that

at the Paeroa Street reserve a track for riding bikes, barbecue and eating facilities, and tables and chairs be established. It was suggested that discussions be held with the Drainage Board concerning the filling in of the open drain. Costs and estimates will be studied. Women’s refuge The committee has recommended that the council act as landlord for a women’s refuge being set up in the borough. The Housing Corporation has agreed to buy the house. The Interchurch Community Care Committee (14C) will be the subtenants.

The location of the house will be kept secret with all inquiries being handled by Holiday The committee has set aside $lOOO for its school holiday programme. The programme will be held at Wharenui School between 9.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. each week day of the holidays. Children between the ages of five and 13 are welcome. Voluntary support from adults participating in the Riccarton Community Activities, and from school pupils will help in running and supervising the programmes.