PROVISION OF OPEN SPACES

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24911, 26 June 1946, Page 10

PROVISION OF OPEN SPACES

5 PER CENT. IN MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS EXPANSION NORTH-WEST OF CITY Now that the residential areas to the north-west of Christchurch are expanding rapidly, the local bodies concerned are likely to give early consideration to setting aside more open spaces for P ub_ lie purposes, it was learned yesterday, when a survey was made of parks and other open areas in these districts. Ine view was expressed by one officer that, except in housing areas, there was little demand for reserves further out because people not going into tne country proper were more likely to go to the seaside or hills at week-ends and on other holidays. . The Land Act provides that m new subdivisions of more than three acres, outside cities, 5 per cent, must be set aside for public purposes. Inquiries from the Riccarton Borough Council showed that no resident would have to go more than half a mile to reach a public reserve. The eastern boundary of the borough is Hagley Park, taking in the north and south sections. Ratepayers will contribute £303 this year to the funds of the Christchurch Domains Board, whose major reserves are Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. At the southern end of the borough is the Warsaw street reserve of nearly one acre, wheYe levelling has now been completed and where planting will be carried out shortly. To the west there is six acres of public reserve in. the main Statehousing block, contained in two adjoining sections. The council spent more than £5OO on this reserve last year and is willing to accept the title if the Housing Department does not undertake a definite scheme of improvements. On* the north-west, the entrance to the 16 acres of Riccarton bush is within the borough. The Deans Estate block, which has been the subject of recent discussions, is further north. It was stated that a survey had been made of other areas in the borough and it was considered that there were no others suitable for recreational areas. The area of the borough is 1.1 square miles. , . The Riccarton Bush is actually in the Waimairi County, The County Council recently expressed the view, when discussing the Deans Estate, that ratepayers would not support the purchase of an additional reserve on this edge of its territory. Fendalton Park is the principal public reserve in the district. There is the Sawyer’s Arm reserve in the Harewood riding and, moving toward the coast, the county has domains at Waimairi Beach and Spencer Park. County Council officers said that the provision of spaces for public purposes was being strictly enforced in new housing areas. The Paparua County Council has experienced no demand for reserves in its area, because it is not closely settled. At the Hornby recreation ground, a little way south of Islington, are football and hockey grounds, tennis courts, and a bowling green.