Regional parks in the Hawke’s Bay region suffered significant damage from the wrath of ex-tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, with many still closed due to safety and access restrictions.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Senior Open Spaces team, Rod Dickson and Stevie Smidt say they understand that people are keen to return to the much-loved parks.
“We are working through a plan to reopen them as soon as it is safe to do so. A phased reopening is looking likely later this month.”
Work is underway at Pakowhai and Waitangi Regional Parks, with a focus on clearing high risk trees, large rubbish, debris, silt and restoring access to tracks and foot bridges.
Engineering and arborist assessments have been carried out to check the stability of foot bridges and trees.
“A big thank you to Council staff and contractors for taking on the challenge of the clean-up. We appreciate that this is no easy feat, and we are grateful for their commitment to the restoration of our wonderful parks,” says Mr Dickson.
Parks status
Waitangi: Partially open
Open: Between Clive and Haumoana
Closed: Main area carpark area & Atea a Rangi compass
Pakowhai: Closed
Pekapeka: Closed
Tutira: Closed
Waipatiki: Currently closed until engineering assessments determine it’s safe to reopen.
