Willia mson P a rk Red ev elop ment La nd sca p e Desig n Rep ort

Transcription

1 HAMILTON

2 REPORT CONTENTS Report Contents 1 Context 2 Photographic Survey 3 Photographic Survey 4 Landscape Analysis 5 Circulation and Parking 6 Spatial Organisation 7 Tree Planting 8 Design Principles 9 REPORT CONTENTS 1

3 Natural Environmental Conditions: Protection and Restoration In 1840, over 70 per cent of the Waikato s coastal zone was covered in original duneland or forest. 95 percent of this natural vegetation has gone. As a result, native species diversity has been severely affected. Whangamata foredunes were originally covered by native sand grasses with backdunes having a more diverse mix of shrubs and trees. Loss of natural habitat has also impacted on native birdlife, lizards and insects. Whangamata Beachcare has been working to help restore native foredune vegetation, with particular focus on the area in front of Williamson Park. This work has been done in conjunction with the Surf Lifesaving Club and the TCDC. This work is to continue and an opportunity exists to include dune protection and restoration as part of the overall park landscape design. Recognition of this loss of natural conditions, and impetus to restore some of the lost values is increasing. This can be done by careful planting, maintenance and protection strategies, while improving the parks aesthetic and function. As with all planting designs it will take time for restoration plantings, gardens and trees to mature, but done well it can be a legacy for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. Typical Dune Vegetation Sequence History Maori pre-european settlements were both sides of the Otahu River to at the south end of Whangamata. European settlement started in the mid 1800s and the town was gazetted in Population increased with nearby gold mining between 1890 and Since then, the town has grown to become one of the pre-eminent holiday destinations in New Zealand and has a current permanent population of around 3,500. This number grows significantly during holiday time and events like Beach Hop. Williamson Park, while being enjoyed by locals and tourists all year round, is a focal point during peak holiday times. Phillip and Madeline Williamson gifted the land to the Thames County Council in 1929 and ownership was transferred in In consideration of this gift, the Council named it Williamson Park. A condition of the gift is that the park be used for ever as a public reserve. The gateway to the park was opened in 1970, paid for by the people of Whangamata, in appreciation of the Williamson s generosity and service to the community. Obvious attractions of this park, and most valuable assets are its beachfront location and open spaces, things which should be protected and enhanced in any development Williamson Park Apart from the observable boundaries and clear space where the park road is now, the park layout shows little resemblance to today. Some stands of larger pine trees can be seen with the rest of the park having a somewhat random pattern of smaller trees. This could be consistent with self-seeding pines, similar to what can be seen elsewhere in neighbouring blocks HAMILTON Williamson Park Geology and Soil The underlying and surrounding geology of the area is a complex of rocks from volcanic activity, the main explosive centres being known as the Whitianga Group. The nearest of these centres is the Tunaiti Culdera, the edge of which is immediately south of Whangamata. The park and much of Whangamata town is on a large sand spit between the rocky volcanic features to the north and south. Pinaki sand makes up the seaward side of the spit. This sandy soil is wind blown and therefore quite fine. As a result the sand tends to hold moisture better that coarser types and is slow draining. This has some benefit for the establishment of trees and shrubs but will improved with the addition of some organic material and fertilisers. STAND 1 STAND 2 STAND 3 Existing Trees Stands of pine trees dominate the existing tree planting. Coinciding with the gifting of the park to the Thames County Council, Phillip Williamson undertook the planting of shelter belts using Pinus radiata and Pinus pinaster. Pines seed very efficiently from pine cones. The windblown seeds are widely distributed and need no nurturing to take root in sandy conditions. As a result, many of the existing pines may be self seeded. However, they are also inherently subject to failure such as branch loss, stem failure and uprooting from strong wind. The trees have been assessed by qualified persons and found to be at some risk of failure, and many have reached the end of their useful, healthy lives. Many have grown together in stands and are adapted to life within surrounding trees. Because of that, and for safety reasons, it is recommended that trees be removed in stands, rather than selective, individual removal. Stand 1 (as per diagram) has been identified as one that should be prioritised for removal. Entrance to the park the gateway was opened in 1970 and built by the people of Whangamata. Historic features such as this are few in the town and should be kept where possible as a link to the past. Shared and individual memories are important in building a sense of community. Sense of Place The park and the surrounding landscape have embedded values in terms of culture and the environment. Visual cues remind us to the history and communities that have been here before. Communities build collective memories and these can be retained through the continuity of landscape and features within it. A Sense of Place is constructed by every person who enters the park; what it means to them personally. This park has a strong Sense of Place some of which can be expressed in general terms. Consistent themes that have come from stake holders include the informal, open and relatively undeveloped nature of the park. It is in keeping with the beach and holiday activities developed as part of the Kiwi lifestyle The gateway brings some sense of history and past communities. The surf club building and activities strengthen the park s relationship with the beach and beach lifestyle. Pohutukawa and pine trees give shade and opportunities to picnic in their cool shelter. Cars can drive freely over most of the park and under trees, something that fits with the vehicle based holidays many enjoy. This does however have a negative impact on trees, turf quality, active/passive recreation and pedestrian access. Stakeholders All users of the park can be described as belonging to stakeholder groups whether it be a formal organisation or visitors. Further, the park is a major asset and attraction for the region and so changes or investment to the park can have some wider implications. In terms of the design process so far, before the wider public consultation process, some key stakeholder groups were identified by the TCDC and have representatives have attended meetings to discuss. These included: Whangamata Surf Lifesaving Club Summer Festival Blackies Café Brits at The Beach Beach Hop Written input was also received from a local residents group and an arborist report. CONTEXT 2

4 Structure and views dominated by stands of pine trees. Relatively open views beneath but rising dunes block sea views Park road centrally placed for convenience but divides and constrains open event/recreation space Gateway has some historic/cultural value but is looking a little tired. Potential to revitalise with some design changes, signage, planting Storm water pond area has best framed views but seems isolated from the rest of the park.; Potential to improve links and quality Beach front park area makes Williamson Park unique. Relatively undeveloped and appropriate landscape treatment Enclosed, cool, shady place ideal for picnics but compromised by vehicle access Road frontage weakend by setback of trees. Opportunity to strengthen and formalise more by less trees set closer to road in gardens Toilet block showing signs of age and dated in terms of current thinking about passive surveillance and safety could be updated Road and bollards dominate the centre of the park, potential to realign. Lighting looks contemporary and is visually appropriate Stage clean and tidy but could be enlarged/relocated in future. Potential to coordinate paint scheme with other park buildings Vehicle tracks to the stage causing tree root and turf damage. Potential to control vehicle access and improve landscape quality No man s land behind stage no clear sense of function or ownership. Potential to formalise access PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY 3

5 Road edge is appropriately informal but looks untidy. Potential to have flush concrete edge and reinforced grass, controlled access points Palms trees surviving well but could be inappropriate in terms of the native ecosystem and contemporary aesthetic Undulating park surface a remnant of pine tree removal. Large dune like features should remain but small undulations could be removed Storm water outfall and pond edges, an opportunity to enhance with native riparian planting Deliveries to Blackies Café this area could be made more people friendly by having a path for deliveries from Lowe Street No formalised pedestrian access, potential to improve with paths, fixed bike rests and garden areas Pedestrian link from Lowe street to park and Blackies is degraded by car parking and delivery trucks Tree planting and gardens could help improve views to and around the café and stage Corner of carpark has poor pedestrian access due to car and bus parking, potential for road build out to here to claim the space for people Pedestrian access to toilets from beach could be significantly improved with a wide path. Macrocarpa should be removed Potential for dune blowout around this most used access point. Could be improved reshaping dunes and redirecting beach access Access across the front of the surf lifesaving club to the park is not clearly assigned to the public could be improved PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY 4

6 Beachfront Park prime recreation, open, undeveloped Prime space for beach related activity and views HAMILTON Surf Club open but a sense of priority to the club Tree canopy, sense of enclosure and separation, cool, restful Pedestrian priority and landscape quality degraded by cars Feeling of separation/remoteness beside pond Lack of obvious function/ownership behind the stage Vehicle priority pedestrian access and recreation limited Few attractive features and lacks continuity across the park LEGEND Open field, undulating and variable quality turf cover Beachfront Park Most activity, open, undeveloped, sense of free public space, prime space for beach related activity and views Surf Club open but a sense of priority to the club and constrained public access Vehicle priority pedestrian access and recreation limited Central hub prime activity/recreation space constrained by existing road alignment Commercial priority private/public space ambiguity, outlook degraded by car parking and rear of toilet/surf club views. Good connection with central hub Tree canopy, sense of enclosure and separation, cool, restful but degraded by vehicle access to the right, and lack of obvious function/ownership behind the stage Open field, undulating and variable quality turf cover. Uncontrolled vehicle access to parts gives sense of vehicle priority. Feeling of separation/remoteness beside pond Road frontage, no clear sense of function apart from entrance. Few attractive features and lacks continuity across the park, eclectic mix of tree plantings LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS 5

7 Existing Circulation and Parking Proposed Circulation and Parking A B C E D HAMILTON F Formalised Pedestrian Routes are very limited A Carpark corner vehicle dominated, poor pedestrian access Improved pedestrian access across beach front Pedestrian priority and corner of beachfront car park LEGEND Formalised Pedestrian Route Uncontrolled Vehicle Access B Public access across front of surf club should be improved Improve pedestrian access to toilets and link to park Controlled Vehicle Access C Pedestrian link between beach and toilets/café could be improved Formalised pedestrian route from park to beach beside pond Formalised Parking D Link between toilets and park is car dominated Formalised parking increased Uncontrolled Parking Very little formalised car parking results in parking in unwanted areas, for example the roadside behind the surf lifesaving club E Area under pines dominated by cars, an opportunity to restrict vehicle access and give pedestrian priority F Vehicle access to rear of stage is poor and is damaging ground surfaces and tree roots Generally the open spaces are compromised for pedestrians and activities by unrestricted vehicle access, Opportunity to control access for events or overflow parking in peak times Remove parking from under pines Controlled vehicle access to dedicated parking/loading area behind stage and formalised path to rear of stage Formalised path from roadside to Blackies Café Controlled vehicle access to the open spaces for events and overflow parking Event or Overflow Parking CIRCULATION AND PARKING 6

8 Spatial Organisation Existing Spatial Organisation Proposed A A B B D C E C F E HAMILTON D F G A Some perception that the area in front of the surf lifesaving club is controlled by the club B Prime beachfront park location narrowed by existing road alignment. Potential to widen for more park space and activities C Link to park dominated by car parking D Area under pines dominated by cars, an opportunity to restrict vehicle access improve park quality E Undeveloped area under pines beside pond sometimes dominated by vehicles. Opportunity to improve the space for passive recreation F Recreation/event space constrained and divided by existing road alignment Generally the open spaces are compromised for pedestrians and activities by unrestricted vehicle access, Opportunity to control access for events or overflow parking in peak times A Potential location for sculpture or interpretation sign B Pedestrian link increases public priority C Beach front park increased, potential to expand this area south across beachfront if further pine trees were to be removed in future D Pedestrian plaza link E Enhance space for picnics/passive recreation F Enhanced space linking to pond G Enlarged event, recreation space. Any future stage upgrade will benefit from larger open area Control vehicle access to the open spaces for events and overflow parking LEGEND Beachfront Park pedestrian/recreation priority Vehicle priority/uncontrolled access Pedestrian/recreation priority vehicle access controlled Pedestrian/recreation/event priority vehicle access controlled SPATIAL ORGANISATION 7

9 Existing Tree Layout Proposed Tree Layout Pohutukawa Other native Pine Norfolk pine HAMILTON Other exotic The dominant climax tree native to this environment is the Pohutukawa. Currently there is a scattering of these throughout the park including a few under the pines. Growth of some may have been inhibited through completion with taller pine trees. The Pohutukawa is slow growing and the eventual size of individual trees will vary with site specific conditions. Its form can be determined to some extent by removal of lower branching limbs and trimming. Other significant native trees present are Karo (often mistaken for small pohutukawas) and one Karaka. Many Five finger trees/shrubs are present under the pines and have been seeded by birds The stand of pines trees north of the existing road is removed completely with selective removal to the south to allow for the new road alignment. Existing macrocarpa, palms and banksia are also removed. The park frontage along Ocean Road is formalised with native specimen trees at about 30 metre spacings. Small existing pohutukawa and karo inside the boundary are removed or relocated. Tree placements within the park are clustered in naturalistic groups or associated with existing larger pohutukawa and carparks. Trees around Blackies and the stage area provide screening. By clustering trees view shafts are retained through the park and open space is maximised. Pohutukawa Karaka Karo Similar tree arrangement at Beach Road. Established pohutukawa showing moderate growth as can be expected in Williamson Park TREE PLANTING 8

10 USER GROUPS DESIGN IS TO CONSIDER ALL USER GROUPS AND TIMES WHEN THE FACILITIES MAY BE USED ENCOURAGE DESIRED USERS AND DISCOURAGE UNDESIRED BEHAVIOURS DEVELOP AND ENHANCE FACILITIES FOR LOCAL PEOPLE AND HOLIDAY FAMILIES DEVELOP AND ENHANCE FACILITIES FOR ROAD BASED TOURISTS COMMUNITY ASSET, ENCOURAGE ITS USE FOR ALL BY IMPROVING PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AND ROUTES ENHANCE POTENTIAL FOR EVENTS WITH BETTER, LARGER SPACES ENSURE THE DESIGN DOES NOT IMPEDE SURF LIFESAVING CLUB ACTIVITIES ENHANCE AREAS FOR CAFÉ PATRONS CULTURAL VALUES BUILD ON THE EXISTING SENSE OF PLACE, RETAIN AND DEVELOP IMPORTANT VALUES WHERE POSSIBLE RETAIN AND ENHANCE THE EXISTING PARK GATEWAY CONTINUE REFERENCE TO THE ORIGINAL GIFTING OF THE PARK INCORPORATE TANGATA WHENUA VALUES AS APPROPRIATE LANDSCAPE TREATMENT LINKS TO THE EXISTING CBD ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES STRONG SENSE OF PLACE INFLUENCED BY ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF DUNE FORMATIONS AND VEGETATION USE OF APPROPRIATE NATIVE PLANTS WHERE POSSIBLE OR DESIRABLE RETAIN EXISTING EXOTIC TREES WHERE DESIRABLE RIPARIAN PLANTING AROUND STROM WATER POND POTENTIAL TO USE POND WATER FOR IRRIGATION PROTECT TREE ROOTS BY CONTROLLING VEHICLE ACCESS NATIVE PLANTING AROUND STORMWATER OUTFALL TO THE WEST LINKS AND CIRCULATION INCREASE FORMALISED CAR PARKING AND CONTROL ACCESS OTHER AREAS IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN ROUTES THROUGH AND AROUND THE PARK FORMALISE PUBLIC ROUTE ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE SURF LIFESAVING CLUB IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN LINK TO PARK AND LANDSCAPE QUALITY IN FRONT OF BLACKIES CAFE PARKING/LOADING BAY AT THE REAR OF THE STAGE FORMALISE AN ACCESS TO THE BEACH FROM THE POND SAFETY IMPROVE QUALITY OF PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO TOILETS AND BEACH FRONT DEVELOP LANDSCAPE BEHIND STAGE TO GIVE SENSE OF OWNERSHIP AND FUNCTION MINIMISE POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUES AT REAR OF THE BUILDINGS OPEN, VISIBLE SPACES TO ALLOW FOR PASSIVE SURVEILLANCE STRUCTURED LAYOUT WITH CLEAR DEMARCATION OF SPACE, USES AND ACCESS ROUTES CONTROLLED VEHICLE ACCESS TO AREAS OF THE PARK MAY ELIMINATE SOME POTENTIAL CONFLICT ASSESS EXISTING LIGHTING AND POTENTIAL TO REPOSITION OR INCREASE AS DESIRED GRASS AREAS GENERALLY UNCONTROLLED/INFORMAL PEDESTRIAN ACCESS SPATIAL ORGANISATION INCREASE SIZE OF BEACHFRONT PARK AREA REALIGN ROAD TO INCREASE SIZE OF CENTRAL EVENT/RECREATION SPACE IMPROVE AND OPEN UP AREAS NEXT TO THE POND PEDESTRIAN PLAZA FROM LOWE STREET TO THE PARK ROAD CLUSTERED TREE PLANTING TO LEAVE OPEN SPACES AND VIEW SHAFTS LANDSCAPE TREATMENT/AESTHETIC PARK AESTHETIC: INFORMAL, NATURAL, RELATIVELY UNDEVELOPED BUT TIDY SOME RELATIONSHIP TO THE EXISTING CBD TREATMENT ROBUST MATERIALS THROUGHOUT TO LIMIT DAMAGE AND MAINTENANCE SCULPTURE AND/OR INTERPRETATION SIGNAGE AT THE CORNER OF THE BEACHFRONT CARPARK ENHANCE EXISTING GATEWAY WITH TREES AND PLANTS FORMALISE OCEAN ROAD FRONTAGE WITH TREES AND GARDENS TIMBER BOLLARDS TO REMAIN BROKEN UP WITH FEATURE FENCING AROUND GARDENS SOFTEN AND ENHANCE POND EGES WITH PLANTING ENHANCE SHADY AREA UNDER TREES AND PLANTING BENEATH CONTEMPORARY ENTRANCE SIGN CORTEN STEEL OR SIMILAR PLANTING AROUND EXISTING TOILET BUILDING TO SOFTEN ITS APPEARANCE POTENTIAL FOR SHADE SAILS TO SUPPLY HADE IN ABSENCE OF THE REMOVED PINE TREES Shade sails provide shade, colour and interest Native gardens Waihi Beach showers Formalised access across beach front Reference to CBD landscape Pohutukawa and Norfolk pine Reinforced grass parking areas Corten steel sign Timber/rope fence DESIGN PRINCIPLES 9