Te Awamutu and District War Memorial Park Maintenance committee member Marc Dawson has lost his fight to restore seven 70-year-old seats at the park.
Peace Fountain
The pipe-framed seats were erected in 1953 when the park was established by public subscription
Jo Gread
Council governance manager Jo Gread told the board in a report the seven seats would be replaced with a model supporting accessibility and comfort.
“Following council’s renewal strategy and best practice, it is important to maintain a cyclic renewal programme,” Gread said.
Dawson campaigned to spend $500 to repair the seats and had support from Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board. A Te Awamutu business had offered to back the community-led restoration project and provide the bolts, wood and paint.
It’s not know yet whether he could still save the seats for another use.
Gread said staff considered community feedback via the community board regarding renewal of seating and the Mutu Street fence for Te Awamutu War Memorial Park.”
Ange Holt
That left board chair Ange Holt apologising, in her report, to Dawson and his supporters.
“I am sorry that we could not provide you with the outcome you wanted. Please know we gave it our very best to put your case forward. Thanks also goes out to Mitre 10 Mega for offering to sponsor and to community members who were going to complete the work at no cost to the ratepayers.”
Customer and Community Services general manager Sally Sheedy told the board the council was awaiting pricing for revamping the Peace Fountain with up lighting that could be turned off to ensure it did not disturb pekapeka (bats) and residents. A new pump will also be installed to produce a plume of approximately 600mm.
Sally Sheedy
Sheedy told the board further renewal work would soon begin at the park and completed by June.
Bollards around the netball carpark will be replaced and new bollards will close off vehicle access to the reserve from Racecourse Road. The aged fence on Mutu Street will be replaced with a wooden post and rail option.
Sheedy and board member Jill Taylor will meet a Waipā company to discuss sponsorship opportunities within the park.
Pending budget availability, the Perfume Garden and Gazebo will be relocated, with the final location to be confirmed.
“We are still in discussions regarding the relocation of the Perfumed Garden,” Holt said.
“Some of us are keen for it to be just moved over so the Anzac soldiers can easily march by and some would like it located further away.”
The council wants to replace memorial park benches
