Construction work has begun on Percy’s Reserve. PHOTO/ARTHUR HAWKES
ARTHUR HAWKES
[email protected]
Masterton District Council has begun work on Percy’s Reserve, Masterton, which will be closed to cars until September, while a new car park was installed.
The car park will include bollards so cars enterinmg the reserve were not then able to go beyond the limits of the parking area. Cars and other vehicles have been caught using the riverside reserve as a racing and drifting track, which has prompted several people to call for restrictions on vehicle access.
While motorcycles would still be able to illegally slip past the coming system, it was thought that the works would prevent much of the problematic car-driving activity, greatly improving the quality of the grassland and natural flora.
Andrea Jackson, manager community facilities and activities, said the council was making Percy’s Reserve “more family friendly”.
“We are installing bollards that will separate the green space at Percy’s Reserve from a new car parking area.
“The aim is to stop the area being damaged by irresponsible and antisocial vehicle owners, as part of making it a more family-friendly space.”
The reserve had not previously included a designated car park.
The council decided to reverse the initial decision to make the car park 24-hour: the new car park would instead be open during daylight hours only, in an effort to ensure the space remained in good order for the whole of the community.
