Track trials

The new tracks of Ō pā waho Heathcote Basin are not pedestrian-friendly. They consist of stone chips which shift underfoot, are noisy and paths with hard edges.

Why? Would CCC consider these surfaces suitable for sports like rugby, cricket and golf? So why consider this design to be superior to grass for pedestrians?

Here is an opportunity to create a pedestrian area exclusively for pedestrians (those who run, jog and walk) away from dogs and wheels, unless pushed by pedestrians.

Many of our parks, including Hagley Park, are no longer pedestrian-friendly as asphalt ‘‘shared’’ paths have been built for speedy wheels, with pedestrians expected to share this inappropriate infrastructure.

Pedestrian activities are available to nearly everyone – all ages, all socioeconomic groups, disabled pedestrians, the time-poor, require no technical skills - yet cheaper superior infrastructure of natural surfaces are not provided.

Please redesign for pedestrian enjoyment, health and well-being.

Mary O’Connor, Spreydon