Beachlands / Maraetai.
Both Beachlands and Maraetai were for a long time regarded primarily as beach suburbs, disconnected from Auckland.
In the last two decades the construction of paths and trails haven't kept up with the rate of new residential development. The Pohutukawa Coast Trails Plan, adopted by Franklin Local Board in June 2017 after considerable community input, sets out a vision for non-vehicular connectivity within our area. The targeted rate will enable the Board to address community requests for local connections and footpaths that might otherwise never be funded through regional funds.
Shelly Bay Road footpath
An important link between the new area to the south and Beachlands School, this section of Shelly Bay Road (between Beachlands and Karaka Roads) doesn't currently have a footpath. This poses a safety risk, in the wetter months pedestrians are forced on to the road in the vicinity of a busy roundabout. This is a response to community requests.
Liberty Crescent path connection
In Liberty Park there is a formed gravel path that extends towards Liberty Cres. It needs to be continued to meet the existing road footpath. This is a simple fix, but will allow weatherproof foot access towards Te Puru Park.
Maraetai Heights to Te Puru Park
Utilising an existing paper road, this connection from Maraetai School Road across the Whitford-Maraetai Road to Te Puru will allow safer pedestrian and cycle access to Te Puru and between Beachlands and Maraetai.
Maraetai School Road is also a public bus route and so having better connectivity between all the communities would encourage public transport if the public knew there were active transport options as well.
In summer there are a huge number of young touch rugby players attending Te Puru Park on Wednesday nights and many take the direct and dangerous route down the main road from Maraetai Heights and the rest of Maraetai. This connection is all about safety for children and encouraging the public to take a safe but active route
Pedestrian Crossing, Maraetai School Road and Maraetai Drive
The aim is to improve safety for children walking to school by installing pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Maraetai School Road and Maraetai Drive.
