About

Removal of extensive areas of plantation and wilding pines from Owen Delany Park in 2012 has left about 10 ha of barren wasteland. This reserve occupies a critical position as it connects the Waikato River corridor with the Eastern Arterial bypass corridor and potentially links to Mt. Tauhara. It also contains the Otumuheke Stream corridor which is a significant geothermal area containing rare native ferns and other geothermally induced vegetation.

The council considers that the use and types of recreation of this park can be increased. The intention is to link existing tracks to the eastern arterial by pass along the north side of the park, enhanced by a planting of a mixture of natives and exotics to enhance amenity values, wildlife habitat, recreational value and community involvement. Re-vegetation of tall forest species would be appropriate throughout much of this area, using species such as red beech, totara and matai in association with faster growing low forest re-vegetation species.

This is a priority project for the Taupō District Council and could potentially be a large project, for which the planning is just beginning. There is significant potential for the redevelopment of this park to be a joint venture between TDC and the Greening Taupō brand. The council has some funding for this project already from the revenue of the sale of the wood from the pines.