Work to start on Cornwall Park Aviary
The upgrades to the Cornwall Park Aviary are set to start next week.
This will mean that inhabitants will have more room for perching, flying and foraging, pulling branches apart and will allow for more space for plants.
The upgrades have come after feedback from the community during consultation on the Cornwall Park Reserve Management Plan (RMP), which was adopted by Council in 2019
The work being done is following recommendations from Massey University and Wildbase Trust to guarantee the welfare of the animals is a priority.
This will happen within the existing footprint and will include all-new concrete throughout, replacing the netting around the entire structure, repairing and replacing any damaged structural steel, all new drainage, water stations and bird feeders, and a new “beach” for the red-eared slider turtles to provide a more natural egg laying area.
There are hopes that the upgrades will encourage natural behaviours from the animals, by including specific trees and ground cover with additional nesting boxes to encourage breeding as well as a bigger area for more free flight.
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst is excited for the much-anticipated project to get underway.
“The aviary has brought delight to families for many years and our community sent a clear message that they wanted it to remain in the park, and to be upgraded.”
Explaining that all the facilities within the park can be enjoyed by those of all ages.
“Cornwall Park is much loved in our community and beyond, with its historic trees, premier playground, Osmanthus Gardens, sports fields, John Holt Memorial Display house and the old tea kiosk that’s being turned into a space for the community to enjoy.”
The work is due to be completed in late March/early April.
