Te Awamutu Rose Gardens Q & A
Why is Council moving some of the roses from the Te Awamutu rose gardens?
In August last year we shared a proposal to build a new destination playground near Selwyn Park and along Mangaohoi Stream. The plans (which are still dependent on funding) included a bike skills park - similar to the one at the Avantidrome in Cambridge. To make room for a bike park, a relatively small number roses are being moved.
How many roses are being moved?
There are currently 1,338 roses planted in the gardens and we will be moving 248 rose plants.
We are creating new rose beds and the majority of the affected roses will be relocated in the existing gardens. Any roses that that can't be replanted in existing beds will be planted around Te Awamutu. Council gardening staff and the Te Awamutu Rose Trust are working together to find the best locations for these plants.
Are any roses being destroyed?
Yes, for good reason. Around 15 rose plants are of poor quality due to their age.
Some of these plants are being removed from the Big Purple' bed which is made up of around 20 plants. This is a significant rose bed because it was at the entrance way to the gardens and was bred by the late Paddy Stephens, a well-known Te Awamutu rose breeder.
About half of the roses from this bed have been removed due to the plants being diseased or showing signs of ill health. The rest of the roses will be replanted in the same bed along with another cultivar called Te Awamutu Centennial' which is another rose bred by Paddy Stephens. We discussed this plan with the Te Awamutu Rose Trust and they agreed there would be these two varieties of roses planted in the bed.
Were the changes to the rose gardens discussed with anyone outside of Council?
Yes. Council talked with the Te Awamutu Rose Trust who approved the plans to move the roses and replace the diseased ones. We are continuing to talk to the Trust about where we can replant the roses that cannot fit back into the gardens. Local iwi were also consulted and approved the plans.
The wider community was made aware of the proposal for a destination playground at Selwyn Park last year.
Why are the roses being removed now?
Because winter is by far the best time to move roses.
Who currently looks after the Te Awamutu rose gardens?
Council staff do, on behalf of the community.
New playground: Q & A
Where is the playground being built?
The existing playground is being extended near Selwyn Park and along the Mangaohoi Stream.
When will work start on the new playground?
Work will start on the playground in October this year and we are aiming to have the work completed before Christmas.
What are the new features of the playground?
Features of the new space include new playground equipment, a new slide and balance area, a new water play area, a new fenced under-five play area and a new bike skills park. Plans and funding for the latter are still being finalised.
The area will include an upgrade to the existing BBQ area and a new grass terraced area with seating and picnic areas to encourage use of the whole space.
Why have you decided to upgrade this playground?
The playground expansion aims to create a central place the community can enjoy together. It is part of the wider Te Awamutu hub project which includes the library and events centre. The new playground will attract people to the area and encourage much better use of what is a shared public space.
Was the community consulted on the new playground?
Yes. We ran a consultation with the community about plans for the playground extension in August/September 2016. One of the key changes we included following feedback, was the addition of the under-five play area which the community told us they wanted.
New bike skills park: Q & A
When will the bike park be built?
That depends on funding. We will share more information as soon as we can.
Did Council consider putting the bike park in another location altogether?
Yes. But the feedback we've had, and the advice we've had, is that parents, grandparents and caregivers thought this was the best location, next to a playground. Our objective is to create a central place where everyone in the community can gather. The bike park and playground are fantastic additions to the Selwyn Park area and will sit alongside the existing library and events centre.
Why do we need a bike skills park? What is wrong with current BMX tracks?
The bike skills park is designed to accommodate younger children and will add to the family atmosphere we want to create down by the rose gardens. There is a new BMX track on Park Road which was built by the BMX club which is getting a lot of use from the slighter older kids.
How much is the playground and bike skills park costing?
We are currently confirming funding options for plans. We will have a more accurate idea of these costs once the tender for construction is received. As soon as costs are confirmed we will publish them on our website: www.waipadc.govt.nz/TA-playground
