The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is looking to create a neighbourhood reserve and other recreational facilities on Arawa Road, Pongakawa and would "love to hear" the thoughts of the community.

The draft concept plan from WBOPDC features a new neighbourhood reserve, to be developed at the end of the formed section on Arawa Road.

The plan includes exciting features such as a ‘rural inspired' playground, a pump track, a community garden, signage, seating, shade and planting and future walking and cycling trail connections around the area, linking to Pukehina Beach.

Council's Senior Policy Analyst Cheryl Steiner says neighbourhood reserves are an integral part of communities and so this plan has been developed based on feedback from Arawa Road and Penelope Place residents.

'Through our recent Te Puke-Maketu Reserve Management Plan review, residents told us they are keen to have some recreational opportunities for their community of around 70 households, as there is none currently.

'Neighbourhood reserves provide opportunity for play, activities and exercise in the great outdoors which all contributes to health, wellbeing and community connection,” explains Cheryl.

Cheryl encourages anyone who lives around the Arawa Road area to share their thoughts on the draft concept plan.

'Remember, this is your community and your space so it's up to you to tell us what you want and don't want.”

There's two ways for you to share your thoughts on the Arawa Road recreation plan.

Wānanga ipurangi (online) – head to our website where you can explore the draft concept plan and share your thoughts. Find it all at haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/arawaroad

Kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) - give us your feedback in-person at the community kōrero on Sunday 9 October, 10am-1pm at the end of Arawa Road (if it's raining, we'll be at Pongakawa Hall instead). Our team will be there to run you through the draft concept plan, answer your pātai, and listen to your feedback.

The project is likely to be implemented in a staged approach, beginning with the neighbourhood reserve, and walking and cycling connections to be developed at a later date. Costs for the project will be considered in future budget processes and are currently estimated up to $54,000 for the neighbourhood reserve. Costs for the walking and cycling connections will be determined once we have a better idea of surface type and exact locations of the trails.

Check out the draft concept plan and have your say at haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/arawaroad. Feedback closes at midday, Friday October 21.