What is the best way to manage Tauranga's reserves?

That's what Tauranga City Council is keen to learn before it starts reviewing its reserve management plans, which set out how Council intends to develop, maintain and protect the more than 250 reserves it manages.

Yatton Park is one of many reserves under council management. Image: Google Maps.

Parks and recreation manager Mark Smith says Tauranga's reserves – which range from sports fields, to playgrounds, neighbourhood parks, beaches, river esplanades, walkways, harbour margins and historical sites – are special to everyone in different ways.

'We're fortunate to have a wealth of fantastic outdoor spaces here in Tauranga and we want to make sure we're looking after our reserves the way our community wants us to.

'We want to hear from as many people as possible on what about our reserves is important to them, and how we can best manage them for current and future generations.”

Mark says the review was also a chance to consolidate Council's 14 reserve management plans into one document: Tauranga Reserves Management Plan.

'Right now, we have 14 separate plans that are reviewed on a rotating basis.

'Having one consolidated plan will mean we can be more efficient and flexible: we'll be able review the way we manage our reserves as and when we need to. We're also using this opportunity to review Council policies that relate to the way we manage our reserves.”

Tauranga City Council is seeking initial feedback until August 12. The feedback will be used to help write a draft management plan, which will be published for further public feedback.

Have your say on Tauranga Reserves Management Plan by:

*filling out the online survey www.tauranga.govt.nz/reservesmanagementplan

*emailing [email protected]

*commenting on Facebook – www.facebook.com/TaurangaCityCouncil

*writing to Tauranga City Council, Private Bag 12022, Tauranga

Calling 577 7000