The Papamoa Domain will be chained off at night to prevent public space weekend partying that has become a feature of the area.
The council was going to install gates, but Tauranga City Councillor Wayne Moultrie told the council's strategy and policy committee they could save $16,000 by installing chains.

Papamoa Domain may be chained off at night.

Gates would not be required because of the liquor ban the committee is also recommending for the Papamoa Domain.
Staff preferred gates because people have broken legs tripping over chains in the past. Councillors suggested they be hung a little higher.
The recommendation was attacked by Councillor Murray Guy, who says the move is to protect a private business, the Papamoa Beach Holiday Resort. He says the move restricts public right of access for the benefit of a private operator.
The resort is owned by the Crosby family, and Mayor Stuart Crosby took no part in the discussion.
The reply to Murray's objection is that people are not only drinking and making enough noise to disturb campers, they also are leaving a lot of broken glass, they have lit fires, and some sleep in their cars, says progressive association spokesman Neville Dixon.
"The toilets are closed at 9pm, if these people are overnight camping you can imagine where they are going to the toilet."