Hansen Park

Press, 22 May 1986, Page 12

Hansen Park

Sir, — Cheryl Kemp (May 6) and others should know that most residents around Hansen Park did not know of its intended use as the focus of Canterbury softball. More than three years ago I approached the Parksftand Reserves Department of the’City Council to establish its intentions. It was to be basically a passive recreation area? About iSTnonths later again I inquired. There was now the possibility of an allweather diamond, but the position of this would be subject to objections by affected residents. Needless to say, as I had purchased the land supposedly in a quiet area which was now changing its complexion at the whim and fancy of those not affected, I sold. I am astonished at the latest proposals and would be most interested in the traffic engineers’ comments on the impact of such a venture on a quiet, residential cul de sac. There is no other vehicular access. — Yours, etc. LINDSAY SMITH. May 6, 1986.

[Mr H. E. Surtees, deputy general manager, works, replies: “The council has always intended that Hansen Park be developed in accordance with the Recreation 3 zoning to provide playing fields and associated activities, together with some informal activities. This was confirmed in an early design plan of 1976 and detailed plans formulated in 1983 show the proposals to include an allweather softball diamond. There is no doubt that any sports activities will have an effect on traffic flows in the area and the council has recently resolved that detailed reports be prepared on parking and traffic management, specifically as they relate to the proposed use of the park as the headquarters of the Canterbury Softball Association.”]