John Wilson Ocean Drive is a precious resource for our city. Dunedin has over a thousand of kilometres of sealed roads open to cars which other users venture on at their peril. But here, there is just one kilometre of smooth asphalt where families can walk abreast, run with their dogs, practice their bike skills, push their babies and their grans, and just enjoy the fresh air, the silence and the sweeping view of the southern ocean. Those who can’t manage the walk can still drive up past the surf club to a high point of the road, park their car and enjoy the same panoramic views.
This kilometre of recreational road came into being as a consequence of the Drive being closed for the Tahuna sewage upgrade a few years ago. Dunedin City Council is now consulting on a management plan for the Drive that tries to address all the changing circumstances since the last management plan was developed since 1992.
John Wilson Promenaders want to keep the vehicle/pedestrian balance as it is for many reasons.
Firstly, the fact that there is no other stretch of smooth road in Dunedin that allows for such a range of recreational activities in safety, let alone one so close to the heart of the city.
Secondly, the natural seaside experience and peace of the pedestrian section is again unique for an accessible site in the heart of the city.
Thirdly, the idea of a promenade enhances the recreational opportunities of South Dunedin. It complements the urban chic of the esplanade and lets people enjoy the wilder environment at a time when the beach itself is increasingly at risk from erosion. Many other cities in New Zealand, such as Christchurch, New Plymouth and Napier have developed such car-free sea promenades.
Fourthly, it is adding another component to our tourist appeal, under our “Wild Dunedin” brand, again very close to the city. Wildlife experts have said that the the lack of cars on the headland would offer the opportunity for it to become a bird breeding area again. Even gannets are possible, apparently!
We could keep going into the fifth, sixth and seventh and more reasons why we would love to see the Drive kept open as it is for active recreation, with the forbidding, constantly vandalised gates replaced with bollards, and seats, shelters and designated parking. If you share our vision, we would love you to get in contact with us at johnwilsonpromenade at gmail.com If you would like all citizens and visitors to the city able to enjoy this unique stretch of road free of traffic worries, send your submission on the management plan to the Dunedin City Council before Friday 6th of August.
And keep watching this space for news about the family fun day planned for when the weather is a little warmer…
