Changing shape of a beach

Press, 13 November 1985, Page 28

Changing shape of a beach

Nelson reporter Tahunanui Beach, Nelson, known to many thousands of visitors as the holiday centre of the “sunshine city,” is undergoing probably its most radical transformation this century. From Rocks Road, which runs round the eastern shore of Tasman Bay and leads into Port Nelson, little change is discernible. But behind the sand dunes and in the area of Natureland, the landscape is changing dramatically.

Rising high above the bumpa-boat pond — but not so high as to create air traffic problems — a water slide is being built. This will in part be incorporated into the boat pond.

Similarly, between the boat pond and the skating rink, a new and larger “Indy 500” race track is being built; This will replace the present track on the site of the old Railways yards in Gloucester Street, Nelson.

Mr Glenny Johnson, who obtained the concession for the bumpa-boats three years ago, is also backing the water slide. The Nelson City Council had earlier rejected a water slide for the Nayland Park Pool. Mr Johnson is not expecting much change from $200,000 for the development. Aware of the criticism of other water slides where tickets are not transferable (for example, among mem-

bers of a family), Mr Johnson will sell water slide tickets on the basis of a ticket of 10 rides. Such a system will permit anybody holding the ticket to have rides, between a range of hours (virtually, from morning to night). The water slide will rise 10 metres. Because of air traffic control regulations Mr Johnson said the slide would have to be kept within height restrictions. The area is on the flight path into Nelson Airport. Fifteen years ago the area was bare; Natureland was established in Hounsell’s Circle by Nelson Jaycees, the skating rink — an open one — was there as was the modellers’ pond and

the children’s play area. A mini-golf course was established about the same time.

This year children will discover a new play area, the bumpa-boats ana water slide will be a big drawcard and the sound of racing motors will vie with the amplified music within a dark and enclosed skating rink.

Not all Nelsonians agree with the changes. Much of what was open space behind the surf club building is now under commercial use. The surf club building itself is almost derelict where once, 20 years ago, it was the hub of social life at the beach — where the “Beachcombers’

Ball” was staged and where King Neptune, after emerging from the briny, ruled for a day over thousands of youngsters taking part in the club’s competitions.

In the mid-60s, it appeared for a time that high seas were going to break right through to the back bench, but in the intervening years sand dunes have reformed and now stretch well out on; to the beach.

However, the beach is still Tahunanui Beach — a beach on which thousands of visitors will again frolic, swim, play games and sunbathe before returning home for another year’s work.