Donnelly Park Area Development

Closed 5pm on 5 April 2020

Thumbnail image of Donnelly Park, Levin.

We’re seeking input from the community on the future development of two of our district’s most popular parks – Donnelly Park and Kōwhai Park. Growth in the district and wider region makes it timely to future-proof these parks.

If you use Donnelly Park or Kōwhai Park, we want to know what you think about them and how we could make them even better in the future.

We’re running a survey as the first step in creating a development plan for these parks. We’ll use the feedback we get from the survey to create a draft development plan, which we’ll consult with the community on before it is adopted by Council.

The online survey closed on 5 April 2020. Analysis of the feedback received will take place from April through to May 2020.

The online survey closed on 5 April 2020. Analysis of the feedback received will take place from April through to May 2020.

Will the development of Donnelly Park include developments around Lake Horowhenua?

The current survey is focused on the development of Donnelly and Kōwhai Parks, only. Council is engaging with Muaūpoko about the development of the park. If in the future connections with Lake Horowhenua are considered, then we’ll widen that conversation to engage with other partners including the Lake Domain Board, the Department of Conservation, landowners and Horizons Regional Council.

When will the proposed development at Donnelly Park and Kōwhai Park take place?

At this stage, we are investigating the current and future needs of user groups and engaging with our iwi partners. We’ll use the information we gather, as well as public feedback from the survey, to help create a draft development plan, which we’ll consult the community about later this year. Once consultation is complete, Council will consider whether to adopt the development plan. 

Will this development include consideration of connecting Donnelly and Kōwhai Parks?

It will depend on the outcome of the engagement process. 

Will this development restrict access to the parks?

The initial engagement and master-planning will not restrict access to the parks. We may need to restrict access temporarily when improvement works begin. If so, we will notify residents nearer the time. 

Will Council publish the results / summary of this survey?

Yes. A summary of survey findings will be available on our website in May/June. We will issue a media release and share it on social media when it is ready.

The survey is too small – how can I have a greater say?  

If you have other relevant points that you want to make us aware of, please contact Property and Parks Project Lead Stephan Titze on 06 366 0999 or propertyservices@horowhenua.govt.nz

Alternatively, you can wait until we consult the community about the draft development plan later this year – we’ll hold open days and public discussions then.

Will this development increase rates?  

We are using existing budgets to create the development plan. However, we’ll need to budget for the cost of any physical improvement works arising from the development plan. We’ll do this as part of our long-term planning, and you’ll have an opportunity to have your say.

Donnelly Park

Will this development look into the current parking situation?

Yes. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on how to address the parking question. We’re also keen to explore ways to help shift our dependence on cars to alternative transport like bicycles and public transport. 

Do you want to bring other sports into Donnelly Park?

The survey aims to analyse the current and future needs of Donnelly Park-based sports as well as considering informal recreation such as walking and cycling opportunities. We also want to hear your thoughts on how Donnelly Park could accommodate more sports events at a regional and national level.

Will this development look into the current situation around the BMX track?

The BMX track is not a Council asset. It was installed by Levin BMX Club, which leased the land from Council. It has fallen into disrepair and is no longer considered ‘fit for purpose’. As such, it will be considered under the development plan. Council officers will engage with Cycling New Zealand and Levin BMX about the track before any final decision is made. 

Kōwhai Park

Will Kōwhai Park remain as a ‘dog park’?

The park is a much-loved and well-used dog park. There is no intention to change this.

What’s happening with the proposed toilets?

Horowhenua has a rich pre-European cultural history, and before we carry out any physical works, we need to consult with Heritage New Zealand and other interested parties, including local iwi. We’ll update you on progress later this year.

I’m concerned about the behaviour of some dog owners who use the park – can I comment on them in the survey?

The survey is not the place to do that. Please raise your concerns by contacting our Customer Service team at enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz or 06 366 0999.