The Outstanding Active Space Initiative Award was taken out by the Tirau Domain Project at the recent 2023 Waikato Sport & Active Recreation Awards.

In 2014 the Tirau community was asked to identify projects in the community that required an upgrade. The Tirau community had limited open reserve areas and the project provides a much-needed leisure space for a range of outdoor activities. The project addressed some barriers to people participating in physical activity, including access, cost, and location.

Over the years main use was sport-based (rugby, equestrian), but access from SH1 was difficult. With the redesign of the State Highway and construction of the SH1/SH5 roundabout opportunity was provided for safer access to the Reserve. With the main entrance located off SH1 pedestrian/cycling access in particular to the Reserve from the town centre was one such barrier. Access from Bridge Street was enhanced with the extension of the public footpath and, working with consent from Kiwirail, a ramp with an associated walkway was constructed to provide access from over the railway line through the former Landfill site into the Lower Domain area in 2019.

Separation of the Reserve due to the Oraka River was another barrier, leading to planning for a connecting bridge to provide full pedestrian/cycling access to the Reserve. Topography was another issue in certain places leading down to the bridge location which was addressed by grading works to produce slopes more suitable for accessibility for our disabled community.

In 2017 the SWDC Council engaged Boffa Miskell to work with the Council and the Tirau Community Board to develop a design landscape plan. The draft landscape concept plan was presented to the Tirau community in 2018 with 73% of submitters being in favour of the Plan.

With approved Council 2018 - 28 LTP Capex funding the development of the Reserve commenced with the initial focus being around developing safer pedestrian access into the lower Domain area from the town centre, planning for connecting the lower and upper areas, planting projects and installing facilities to activate the space and encourage use of the Reserve.

The Domain area used to be a meeting hub for Tirau families with the activities that went on there and this redevelopment aims to return these times and much more.

One of the driving thoughts behind the plan was that there is not a lot of green space in Tirau for informal gathering and recreation.

At the final South Waikato District Council Long Term Plan, May 2018 meeting there was some discussion about the pedestrian railway crossing as part of the initial work for the Domain concept, but the safety around what is being built is 100% safer than random crossing of the line.

The South Waikato District Council, the Tirau community, the Tirau Community Board and the Domain Action Group have been working on the Domain concept for a number of years to develop this facility for local sports, recreational and community use.

In the past twelve months the project has progressed with the construction of a suspension bridge to link the upper and lower areas of the Reserve, a walkway being constructed that links the two walkways with a suspension bridge, construction of a sealed large carpark and installation of a toilet block, shelter, litter bins, directional signage, barbecue, drinking fountain, wheelchair accessible picnic tables and fencing provides a family-friendly environment. In addition, the construction of a pump track has allowed for specific participation for cycling, scootering and skateboarding enthusiasts, the multi-use space allows for inclusivity and spontaneous play.

The walkway is free to access, and leashed dogs are allowed on the Upper Domain area with a dog exercise area provided in the Lower Domain area.

Congratulations to everyone involved in getting the Tirau Domain off the ground, from past Tirau Community Boards, The Domain Action Group (DAG), South Waikato District Council, and the members of our community who came and planted all those trees and shrubs.

The Tirau Domain is now a community asset Tirau and the entire South Waikato District can be proud of.

Locals

3 Mar 2024

Tirau Domain Project wins award

28 Feb 2024

New to Pride in Putāruru

6 Dec 2023

Putāruru Christmas Light Trail

30 Oct 2023

Te Waihou track closed

3 Mar 2024

Car park entrance closure

26 Feb 2024

FREE Prattler Community Advertising

26 Nov 2023

Fresh Start shop have moved

5 Sept 2023

Putāruru Skatepark complete