Motorists turn Christchurch's new Rauora Park into inner city car park
Rauora Park has become just another place for car parking in central Christchurch.
Invitations for the public to enjoy Christchurch's new Rauora Park are being taken seriously – by motorists enjoying it as a free car park.
The $30 million east frame park was opened in summer with new lawns, plants, seating, and a cycleway and pedestrian corridor.
It also has a vehicle laneway to provide access to the east frame's apartments when they are completed.
An artist's impressions of the east frame public realm in Christchurch.
Dozens of vehicles have been parked over the park's paved areas across several city blocks in recent weeks.
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A "Shared Zone" sign at the park features a cycle, pedestrian, children, and car. It is next to some legitimate car parks and does not carry "No Parking" signs.
A spokesman for Ōtākaro, the Crown rebuild agency that built the park, said it appeared people were driving onto Rauora Park over timber bollards.
"Shared zone" signs may be confusing motorists.
The planned solution was to "put in something a little harder to get a car through".
He said once the homes were completed, the lanes would be opened up for access. More than 900 townhouses and apartments are being built in the east frame over 10 years, with the first due for completion this year.
The park has been promoted as somewhere for the public to socialise, enjoy recreation, and watch events.
Dying plants in the park recently attracted publicity, and drew criticism from gardening experts that the planting had been poorly planned.
Cars parking in Rauora Park between Cashel St and Lichfield St.
Rauora Park in the east frame near Manchester St.
- Stuff
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