Aotea Lagoon remains open, for now.
There have been more than a few queries on Porirua’s parks, reserves, playgrounds, walking tracks and Aotea Lagoon, as the city and country get ready for a lockdown.
In short, all are open for now, except for playgrounds, which have surfaces that multiple people can touch. Following Government guidelines, they are all closed.
This status on open spaces may change quickly, so keep an eye on council’s Facebook page and website for further updates.
Aotea Lagoon is open to the public but we want people to be safe. Remember, as per the restrictions handed down by the Government, playgrounds are off-limits due to the possibility of spreading COVID-19 over the different surfaces. The splash pad at Aotea Lagoon has been closed.
There are other obvious gathering points in that reserve, but please ensure you follow the Government’s advice and stay two metres away from other people, if they’re not from your immediate household.
Parks Manager Julian Emeny says monitoring will be occurring and gates to the Lagoon, and into other parks and reserves, could be locked in the near future if the public don’t adhere to the rules.
“We want everyone to be safe if you have to visit these spaces during the coming lockdown period,” he says.
“We know it’s tough, with adults and tamariki keen to get out and enjoy some fresh air, which we know is important. But observe that two-metre rule – we’re all in this together to combat this nasty virus. Be smart and look out for each other.”
With walkways like Colonial Knob and Te Ara Utiwai, Mr Emeny says common sense needs to prevail – while they’re great places to enjoy while the sun is out, the width of some tracks make it physically impossible to attain the two-metre distancing.
“Before you head out, think carefully about how you can look after yourselves and others.”
Tennis courts in Porirua are open, but the same rules apply in terms of keeping two metres apart, if you’re not from the same household.
Gates to the city’s beaches will be locked, while the regional council has closed all regional parks to vehicles, along with toilets. It is asking that anyone wanting to walk or bike in the regional parks do so close to your home.
Public toilets in Porirua, however, will be open and regularly serviced, for the time being.
25 Mar 2020
