Greening the city one tree at a time

Concept drawing of the new urban space at 123-141 Maunganui Road.

The new urban green space development at 123-141 Maunganui Road is making way for new native plants greening the space.

Council will be planting a mix of about 20 native trees on site, replacing eight Phoenix palms.

A pōhutukawa will be the feature tree of the new space, attracting birds and representing the region's signature coastal tree.

Over time, the combination of species will provide the site with enhanced shade.

The new park will also be home to low growing native shrubs and grasses, representing our coastal environment.

Leanne Brown has seen the project coming along from the beginning and is looking forward to the new urban space providing a flexible space for events, more native plants and a place to relax and play for residents and visitors.

'We acknowledge not everyone will agree with the removal of the Phoenix palms, but I hope that the community will see this redevelopment as a great opportunity for the business, retail and hospitality sectors, Mount Mainstreet, residents and create unique memorable experiences for visitors,” says Leanne.

'Our natural environment is our greatest asset. It attracts people to live in or visit our city.

'We've considered the layout of the park in combination with the species to be planted. We will plant the trees around the perimeter, with the underground pipes of the upgraded stormwater system in the centre of the park.

"The majority of plants chosen have less extensive root systems and will have a lower impact on everything underground.

'This will enable us to maintain and manage the new space efficiently and in the best interest of residents, visitors and businesses.”

The Phoenix palm is recognised as a pest plant by Tauranga City Council.

They are displacing native plant species and can be a haven for pest animals. Council is actively removing them and replacing them where appropriate.

To support our native forests and wild places, Council strongly supports planting native species in our urban areas.

They are our taonga and Council provides opportunities for new native plantings, to support whenever possible existing native plants and trees.

At Phoenix park, eight Phoenix palms will be retained. Eight palms will be removed in the centre of the site to provide opportunities for native planting and to create a more flexible multi use space.

The removal is also required for Council to replace the stormwater system, which has been damaged by the palm roots.

The first two Phoenix palms have been removed and in July the remaining six Phoenix palms will come down to prepare the site for the next steps of development.

Stay up-to-date with the project at www.tauranga.govt.nz/urbanspace

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2 comments

So..

Posted on 09-05-2018 14:50 | By 82m

Are all of those car parks going?? hmm


Species

Posted on 09-05-2018 17:59 | By overit

Make sure you plant the right ones.Not too big and drop leaves everywhere.


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