Draft future plans for two of Wānaka’s most loved open spaces have been published and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is asking for public feedback on the plans.

The development plans have been prepared for Lismore Park and Peninsula Bay Reserve to guide decisions on potential infrastructure, facilities, landscaping, and access.

The plans include programming “to create inclusive and sustainable spaces for the whole community”, QLDC said this week.

QLDC community services general manager Kenneth Bailey said council’s Parks & Reserves team is asking as many people as possible to provide feedback on opportunities to enhance and protect the status of the two reserves.

Shared pathways for walkers and cyclists and the creation of scenic viewpoints are on the cards for Peninsula Bay Reserve.

The long-term vision for both locations is to create spaces that provide a variety of recreation opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy, he said. 

For Lismore Park, options include a bike repair station and drinking fountains for the jump park, toilet facilities and a new disc golf learners’ space. Also proposed are a perimeter loop track, native succession planting, reflective spaces and more accessible parking. 

The plan for Peninsula Bay focuses on reserve improvements and enhancing access. Options include native planting, shared pathways for walkers and cyclists, and creating scenic viewpoints.

“Some people might already value existing aspects of these reserves – the views, the quiet, walking and biking trails, the trees and other vegetation – while others might be keen to consider these locations with fresh eyes and a nod to the future,” Kenneth said.

“Each provides different benefits for locals and visitors.”

‘Pen Bay’ reserve is the only large, open space accessible for residents to enjoy in that part of town and already has several informal tracks connecting it with Sticky Forest and the start of the Clutha River Mata-Au along Outlet Road, he said.

“Closer to town, Lismore Park has an 18-hole disc golf course and newly renovated bike jump park and will be increasingly used by the community as part of the ‘schools to pool’ active transport route that’s currently under construction.”

Engagement with stakeholders including the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board and recreational, biodiversity and accessibility groups has generated some interesting ideas and design concepts, and now the council is inviting the wider community to take a look at the draft plans and complete the short surveys.

Further information is available online with hard copies at Wānaka Library and council’s Ardmore Street office. The two separate, short surveys are available to complete online.

Feedback closes on November 27 with final plans expected to be presented to the community board for consideration in February next year.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App