Messages posted on the Bay of Plenty Times’ Facebook page show significant community support for the track to remain open, and some posts included offers to help rebuild the jumps.
One post reads: “… Absolutely ridiculous for the council to step in and try to stop this, it’s an unused parcel of land some local kids have gone and made some fun for themselves. Leave it be.”
Tauranga City Council’s spaces and places head Alison Law said council staff would continue internal discussions and engage with users and residents.
“We’ll consider whether the track can remain open in some form or needs permanent closure,” she said.
“Due to the timing being so close to the Christmas break, we haven’t had the opportunity to explore this further.”
Tauranga City Council erected two warning signs at the top of the Pillans Rd Bike Track, with its future in doubt.
Law said two “Track Warning” signs had been installed at the top of the track, which say the area has not been designed for riding.
The signs also reads: “To keep everyone safe; No Digging, No Building Jumps, No Changing the Track.”
She said there were no current legal restrictions for banning its use, but the council urged everyone to respect the space left open for residents and footpath users and to take care near the road.
“Any damage to public property can be reported to the police.”
Since December 5, vegetation, rubbish and other waste have been removed from the area.
Law said rocks placed at the entrance to the track had since been moved to the side of the reserve “out of the way”.
She said the council was yet to assess reinstatement, replanting or the need for a retaining wall.
“These decisions would follow once the site’s future is confirmed, and if restored to its original condition, replanting was estimated to cost around $10,000,” she said.
“We ask everyone who enjoys these spaces to treat them with care and respect. Please avoid causing further damage, dispose of rubbish responsibly and be mindful of others using the area.”
Collier said since the council revealed plans to permanently close the track, more primary school-aged children and intermediate kids had started using the track.
She said there were about 20 primary-aged riders and younger intermediate riders who were now regularly using it, with about five or six younger riders using the track daily, rather than the older kids.
Collier said the older college-aged riders had found a new area to ride, but the push to keep the Pillans Rd track open was “very much a live issue”.
She said the track was “a lot nicer” after the council had removed some of the vegetation and rubbish.
“We are very pleased that the council has decided to halt any further action on closing the track until we get the opportunity to have further input into the decision.”
She said they would consider their next moves if the council decided whether or not to permanently close the track.
Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post who has been a journalist for 25 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.