NORTH Haven's Wall Reserve is set for a makeover with a strong push to return it to its glory days.
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The eastern and western ends of the reserve have been relatively maintained, but the area in between has become overgrown with weeds and grass, has a number of dead trees and brown snakes have been sighted in the undergrowth.
Wall Reserve had been one of the most popular areas for families to get together for decades, some long-time residents citing times as children that they would travel from Lorne and Kendall to holiday by the Camden Haven river. It was one of the most popular picnic areas in the Camden Haven until just a few years ago.
That family-friendly attraction, however, is what members of the North Haven Action Group want to resurrect.
A meeting last week in North Haven was a major step forward, with a concept plan developed, a working bee organised and fund-raising ideas mooted.
The plan initially focuses on clearing the overgrown areas of the reserve. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will also investigate which branches or trees need to be removed to ensure the safety of users.
That initial work, however, is to pave the way for what the group members hope will restore the reserve to a place where people want to visit, where they want to show visitors and where they are proud of.
While the concept plan includes some of the existing infrastructure, it also includes a sheltered picnic area with multiple tables, additions to the children's play area and a community garden. There also has been an emphasis on open space to ensure users of the park can take full advantage of their surroundings.
Opponents of past attempts to restore the reserve have indicated they believe the action group only wants to clean up so they have better views of the river.
Action group member Cathy Hardy said the opponents were welcome to have input into any plans for the reserve.
"We don't want to clear the trees from the reserve," she said.
"We just want the reserve to be a place where people want to come and enjoy.
"Not one of us has ever wanted to cut down all the trees. That's ridiculous."
At the action group meeting the majority of the people did not live directly opposite the reserve and some not even in North Haven itself.
Draft plans for the reserve were shown at the meeting to get feedback and suggestions on improvements or additions. That feedback will now be incorporated into the plan to be submitted to the council.
In what could only be described as a show of massive support, the council's manager of community place, Lucilla Marshall, was instrumental in drafting the plan and has embraced what the action group wants to achieve.
At last week's meeting Ms Marshall explained the processes involved in the planned project and what steps needed to be taken to ensure the outcome was successful. These included incorporation of the action group, insurances and other legal requirements.
"This is an exciting thing to be involved in and I am looking forward to what comes," she said.
"There is a clear vision of what the action group would like to see and I will certainly assist where I can."
The action group is hoping to have a working bee in August to clear undergrowth and rubbish.