23 November, 2024

Plans hatched for path to relocated beach-access mat

New route… An accessible pathway (highlighted in red box) is likely to be built on Gould Reserve at Takapuna Beach near playgrounds (shown in blue). The path will extend from the barbecue area by the car park at the bottom of the Strand across to a new beach-access point for users of the mat, which is rolled out during summer.

Plans have been drawn up to provide a new site for a special beach mat that makes it easier for people with disabilities or with pushchairs to easily access the sand and water at Takapuna.
The beach mat which has been in place for two summers at the bottom of the Strand will be relocated, though likely not for several years.
This is because a path to the new access further north along the beach needs to be built first, at a cost of nearly $300,000.
The mat has proved a popular addition to the beach reserve, which features an all-abilities playground and special toilet facilities.
But it has suffered some under-cutting of the sand beneath in its current location, which is also very busy with people walking onto the beach.
It is expected to be rolled out daily at its “not ideal” location at the end of the Strand from early next month, said Yes Disability Resource Centre chief executive Sonia Thursby.
Auckland Council staff outlined the future relocation plans to Devonport-Takapuna Local Board members recently, explaining how a relocated mat would be accessed via an extension to an existing path.
The path would provide a more gradual slope than the steep incline users had to negotiate currently.
It would lead to an existing break in the rock seawall.
From this point, the mat could be anchored and unrolled across the sand.
Senior project manager Roma Leota said the work would likely extend to 2027.
Budgets for design and building would be spread over three years, the cost adding up to just under $300,000.
Board members urged staff to ensure the voices of local disability groups were heard in a future consultation process.
They suggested adding a shower attachment for wheelchair users to the existing beach shower.
Council’s coastal team, which monitors sand levels, is involved in planning and had approved current project design ideas, the local board was told.

Please consider supporting The Rangitoto Observer by clicking here: