Better streets & spaces  |  25 Mar 2019

Toilet and car parking facilities at Roto Kohatu Reserve will be improved as the number of people using the popular recreational area increases.

The Harewood reserve is the largest body of fresh water suitable for swimming in Christchurch and only has port-a-loos in place for toilet facilities.

People swimming at Roto Kohatu Reserve.

Roto Kohatu Reserve has become a popular spot for swimmers and water sport enthusiasts. Photo: Arthur Adcock

A proposal to install two new toilet blocks in the most frequently used areas of the reserve, and to upgrade the parking area and driveway, is out for feedback until 5pm on Thursday 4 April 2019.

Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge says the portaloos are no longer sufficient, or appropriate, to meet the increasing number of visitors to the area.

“The reserve is a great spot for families and water sports enthusiasts and is growing in popularity as more people realise it is there and open to the public. We need to provide clean and safe toilets for users and will be able to do this by having permanently plumbed in toilets connected to existing infrastructure on Greywacke Road.”

Both toilet blocks will have two cubicles and an outside shower. Other options for managing waste, such as septic tanks, were assessed as being unsuitable because of the ecological significance of the area.

“Increased visitor numbers are also putting pressure on parking, so we are also proposing to improve the driveway and provide a carpark with more than 100 parking spaces, with overflow parking on grass verges,” Mr Rutledge says.

Feedback will be presented to the Waimāero/Fendaltion-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board in May/June 2019. The Community Board will then make a recommendation to Council for a final decision.

If approved, construction will begin in October 2019, for use by next summer.

Have your say.