The Thames-Coromandel District Council are urging members of the community to give feedback on the upgrade of the Meri Te Tai Mangakahia Reserve in Whangapoua.

The beachside reserve in the heart of Whangapoua is in need of an upgrade and the council are working with the community to now refine a plan for improvements to its facilities and appearance so that todays and future generations can continue to enjoy the park.

Another public consultation will be held at the reserve today, March 30, from 11.00am-2.00pm, where Council staff will be on hand to talk through the draft concept plan developed so far.

There is a questionnaire as well that the public is asked to fill in, to help gather as much feedback as possible.

If you can't make today's meeting, go to the website at www.tcdc.govt.nz/meritetaireserveupgrade where you'll find more information on what the council are proposing for the upgrade as well as the survey.

Please let the Thames-Coromandel District Council know what you think of the proposals by Friday, May 3.

What's being proposed:

The toilet block needs an upgrade and currently sits in a low point in the reserve, creating flooding issues. It's proposed we relocate it, and replace the effluent field, which does not cope with the usage over the summer period.

• The playground is tired and needs an upgrade. More suitable 'nature play” equipment with a natural look and feel is proposed and the location shifted back from the dune edge.
• The present location of vehicles parking close to the dune crest limits the recreation space and dune protection planting opportunities. The draft concept proposes pulling it back, but still keeping formalised parking close to the sea, with little loss of total parks.
• Freedom camping parking will be retained.
• Improve pedestrian access with paths connecting various parts of the reserve.
• Plant suitable coastal species on the dunes and throughout the reserve and retain all the existing pohutukawa.
• Upgrade the reserve furniture with robust, attractive and functional selections.
• Relocate the inflatable rescue boat shed and shelter area, which are in poor condition, and replace and shift them to an agreed area closer to the fire station.

The public rubbish disposal service provided through Moloks at the reserve is not compliant with legislation. The community has previously indicated a desire to retain the current service. If the Moloks are to be retained, legal compliance will be required at additional cost and the outcome of this process cannot be predetermined.