Section 2: Asset Description 2.9 Recreation and Ecological Linkages Park Primary Typical Type of Use/Value Likely Reserves Act Category Purpose Characteristics 1977 Class Recreation Open space, Grass/tree Amenity/open space Recreation, Local and linkages and planting Walking/cycling/ Purpose Ecological corridors Paths/tracks commuting Linkages Possibly lineal Conservation and nature ecological Generally low enhancement level of development 2.9.1 Description Recreation and Ecological Linkages covers a wide range of purposes, from developed areas with mown grass and trees through to undeveloped green areas. They provide an important role in meeting sustainability objectives through protection and enhancement of biodiversity, ecological linkages through the urban environment, urban form and landscape values and opportunities for walking and cycle linkages. They also provide a wide range of functions, from largely unused or inaccessible areas through to areas used actively for picnics, walking, biking and other recreation. They often provide for walkway/transport linkages from one neighbourhood to another or to link parks together. They may be based on geographic features within the urban environment, where buildings are not possible eg; stream gullies, drainage areas or steep hillsides. Generally Recreation and Ecological Linkages will have a low Photo: Sutherland Stream level of development, except where usage and demand warrants it. This may include tracks, park furniture and signage. 2.9.2 Walking and Cycling Routes MDC currently provides, maintains and manages 128 km of reserve based walking and cycle tracks throughout the district, which enables people to commute and have access to the outdoors for the benefit of physical recreation and the enjoyment of the environment. DOC also provides many additional rural and remote walking tracks in Marlborough. The MDC website http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/Recreation/Walking-and- Biking.aspx or Council offices hold information about walking and cycling routes in Blenheim and Picton. The Council has a Photo: Walking and Cycling route commitment to plan, develop and maintain walkway and cycle Blenheim to Riverlands infrastructure within Marlborough. No capital expenditure on walking and cycling tracks 20014/15 came from community facilities budgets. Alternative funding sources from Council annual funding grants to Bike Walk Marlborough provided for the development of the Grovetown shared path and roading budget for the Rarangi community path. The cost of maintaining walkways and cycling tracks at current levels is on average $982.9/km/annum Page 32