Sheps' Park To Be A Place For Recreation And Public Enjoyment

People have just a few days more to let the Council know what they’d like to see on the block of land bequeathed to the community in Severne Street, Springlands.

Until a management plan for the new park is finalised, part of the property has been leased for grazing. This is saving the cost of maintenance as stock is being grazed, keeping the grass down. The leased area is fenced, with a locked gate, and the public is asked to keep out of that area and away from the animals.

The area where the house once stood remains accessible to the public but people should also note that there is work being done on the land and care should be taken.

The 2.5 ha property was left to QEII National Trust to be used as open space for the recreation and public enjoyment of the people of Blenheim, with the District Council agreeing to take responsibility for managing and maintaining the land.

Named in memory of its previous owners Lloyd and Joy Shephard, it is now administered as a Council reserve, and is known as Sheps Park.

The Council is currently asking for the community views on the type of use for this park and the public has until May 4 to make suggestions, or submissions on the management plan which has been drafted.

When the management plan for the new park is finalised, works to develop the reserve for public use can be staged as funds permit. Eventually the whole area will be open to the public.

Copies of the draft plan for Sheps Park can be obtained in the Have Your Say section of the Council website www.marlborough.govt.nz or from the Marlborough District Council office in Seymour Street.

Written suggestions and submissions by 4 May 2010 to Reserves and Amenities Manager, PO Box 443, Blenheim 7420

Telephone inquiries to the Council’s Reserves Section, phone 520 7400.