WAIKANAE BEACH PARK

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19549, 3 February 1938, Page 9

WAIKANAE BEACH PARK

TOWN PLANNER'S REPORT

SUITABILITY OF SITE

IMPROVEMENT SCHEME '"The proposed lay-out, which is in accordmce with modern traditions of part -design, has three objectives in viev. 'Firstly, to cater for the entertainment and recreation of the largest possible number of people; secondly, to make the various features of the park, so far as is .possible, revenue producing and self-support-ing; snd, thirdly, to reduce the cost to a minimum," stated the Government town planning officer, Mr. J. W. iJFawson, in a report on his recent visit to Gisborne in connection with a plan of improvements for Wa'ikanae"Park. "With the exception of the children's playground, 'every feature on the plan, if carried out, would be revenue-producing. These features may me enumerated as follows: Car park, with accommodation for I*o cars, two bowling-greens, one fullsized croquet lawn, four hard tennis courts, (an putting course, clubhouse, open-air theatre and bandstand, swimming bath, dressing rooms, restaurant, and camping ground. "The central motif of the design

Is oiwiiously the large circular garden with the open-air theatre, which I have designated the social centre," continued Mr. Mawson. )"Thi K has been put in the most sheltered position behind the buildings. To still further add to the amenity and utility of this feature, it is proposed that the theatre should be excavated v.'ith the stage or bandstand at the lowest point consistent with efficient stormwater drainage. "According to the cross-section plan supplied to me by the borough engineer, Mr, E. R. Thomas, there is a difference of approximately 9ft. between Mg'h water and the level of the ground at this point. The level area between the theatre and the outer path would be laid down in pass, whicn would provide extra seating accommodation in fine weather while entertainments were in -progess. The theatre itself would have seating accommodation for approximately 700 people and, if the otiter area is added, this could be more than doubled. No Co-ordinated Scheme

'VThe existing buildings, whiqh item to have been built from time to time without any idea of a coordinated scheme, are well adapted for the purpose for which they were designed, but are lacking in architectural amenity. As the object of this scheme is to lay down a policy of development over a period of yearS, I think the authorities would be well advised to seek architectural advice, or institute a competition, with the object of producing a balanced architectural composition with a view to the future extension of the dressing-room accommodation and catering facilities. Along the whole JTrohl tge of "the buiidrngs there should ibe a loggia Or shelter. '*The childrenls playground has been placed in the most accessible position and a fairly large area devoted to it. A children's swimming pool is also suggested where the children can learn to swim. "The car park is placed in a central position, from which recreational facilities can be reached with - a minimum of effort. A charge should be made for the use of this park, but to ensure its success, parking on surrounding streets would have to be prohibited. "The features such as bowling jgreens, tennis courts, and croquet lawns do not call for comment, but I particularly want to draw attention to the proposed putting course which, Constructed m the way I have in mind, would be entirely new to New Zealand. Many leading English resorts have these' putting courses, tomich are very popular and very .profitable. One of these courses constructed under my direction at Wes-son-Super *Mare, at a cost of £450 shows an annual return of £llOO. Golf

:ls a game which is growing in popularity and putting is undoubtedly the part of the game which calls for the (greatest skill. .

Course for Golfers

"To be successful and attractive to golfers, the fairways and greens of the putting course need to be planned, constructed and maintained with the same care as given to the greens on a firstclass golf course. The ground is worked into miniature valleys and mounds, the latter being planted with flowering shrubs. The effect of this is that every hole can be played in absolute privacy.

"Precautions have to be taken to prevent the greens being damaged. Players must have either flat-heeled

or rubber-soled shoes. The usual charge in England is 6d per round, which includes the use of a club, ball,

and pair of shoes or over-shoes. Normally, the capacity of an 18-hole course is 40 people per hour. "A club-house, equipped with dress-

ing-rooms, shower baths, and sani-

tary conveniences, is a necessity in conjunction with recreational facilities.

"A swimming bath has been suggested in the rear of the dressing sheds. Most English resorts have found 'that it is a mistake to rely too much on the sea bathing facilities.

Even under, the best weather conditions there are many days during the - summer when, for various reasons, Tiea bathing can only be indulged in J)y the strongest swimmers of people with robust physique. "It is suggested that the width of the promenade should be increased, between Grey street and the tennis 'courts, to 40ft. As the slope of the tamch is gentle this will not involve tterticularly heavy constructional work. To overcome the sand drift ttuisance, the sea wall should -be constructed with an overhanging lip. A guard rail only should be provided on the sea wall, instead of the parapet at present-in use as this will enable people; using the shelters to obtain an uninterrupted view of,the beach. "The whole success of a park in an exposed position like this depends upon shelter. To. this end, I have suggested that Grey street and Awapuni road should be planted with trees and the whole park surrounded with a wide shelter belt, through which a Winding path could meander on the sea wall sslde, which should provide a sheltered walk as an alternative to the promenade in inclement weather,"