Marise Clark Part 6, Development of Pit Park and other reserves - Manawatu Conversations

Object type

Audio

Description: Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 5th November 2024. Part 6 of 6. Talks about the development of a reserve at Pit Park in Palmerston North. There were very few recreational facilities in Roslyn which is a heavy populated area. It involved a lot of reports and planning. About 1997 the community was strongly in favour of native plantings – no exotics. There were several changes in mayoralty. Mayors Jill White and Heather Tanguay were very supportive. It took almost eight years from the time the idea was first mooted until planting started. It is still an ongoing project. Lost $200,000 of Eastern & Central Community Trust funding because of delays. Bird life is increasing. Wetland contains the southern bell frog and eels. Rats kept at bay by cats. No possums. Marise is currently the chairperson of Pit Park People’s Society and received a civic honour award in 2015. Marise has also been involved in Norton Park and Vogel Street Reserve developments.