ON THE BUTTON

Michael from Trentham

About three years ago I was questioned by Upper Hutt City Council survey staff about what is ideally needed for the two large parks/reserves in the Wallaceville Estate in Wallaceville.

So from the top of my head, I said a large, interesting children's playground and some open and covered bench seating for Grant's Bush Reserve and all weather pedestrian/dog walkers tracks/pathways plus strategic bench seating for The Reserve.

Lo and behold this is exactly what the Council has done now that work has almost been completed in The Reserve.

I take full credit or no credit.

The most remarkable thing is that the playground is an absolute beacon for other recreational activities in the surrounding grassy (and weedy) areas summer and winter.

And I now have seen kids playing football in The Reserve.

My "job" has been to keep hassling the Council regarding Grant's Bush Reserve grass/weeds mowed more often so that the fields can be utilised for all the extraordinary activities that go on. I think I have won on this count.

Prior to the children's playground, GBR was pretty much dead apart from a few people exercising their dogs. Now even this activity has grown enormously.

Children and adults do come from further afield just than those living in the estate.