Two access points to Johnson Reserve in Welcome Bay will be closed over the next few weeks while Tauranga City Council carries out upgrades.

The Pelorus Street walkway is closed for the next two weeks (weather dependent) while a new fence is built.

The Meander Drive access will be closed from Monday, April 3, for about four weeks to replace the gravel path with a concrete path and boardwalk.

The nearest alternative access point for people living near the southern end of the reserve is in Victory Street.

New, natural play equipment constructed of timber and rope was added at the southern end of the reserve near the Meander Drive entrance in late 2022 and new seating, picnic tables, rubbish bins and a drinking fountain will be installed over the next few months, says a statement from Tauranga City Council.

"The tracks in Johnson Reserve follow streams, wetland areas, native bush and open grassed areas and are popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, and bird watchers.

"Tracks also feed into neighbouring Waipuna Park, which is also undergoing upgrades. Recent improvements to the park include new swings, a barbecue, water fountain, accessible picnic table, seating, and a new a 3x3 basketball court.

"A new concrete pathway that starts at the northern end of the park, running alongside the top sports fields on Kaitemako Road and into and around the playground and basketball court has also been added and work is currently underway to join up the existing footpath at the northern end of Kaitemako Road to the new pathway.

"The sports fields at the northern end of the park are currently being upgraded, including the installation of field drainage and new training lights. Once this work is completed, cricket practice nets will be installed.

"Shade sails, new seating, picnic tables and drinking fountains are also being added to some of the smaller parks, reserves, and walkways in Welcome Bay, including Oteki Reserve, Maungarangi Reserve and Riverstone Park, as well as Waioraka Reserve and the walkway that connects to it from Riverstone Drive."

Council says Keam Reserve in James Cook Drive will have a new playground installed in June following consultation with local residents earlier this year.

"The upgrade will include a wave slide, ropes, ladder climber, spider nets, wiggle walk, and a junior play unit with slide and steering wheel, and an accessible picnic table, seating, and shade sails.

"All of the work is part of the Welcome Bay parks improvements project and is based on feedback from the Welcome Bay community which Council sought in late 2021 and early 2022."

For more information visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/welcomebayparks