Lake Hood - Creating Waves in the Community

摘要

Lake Hood is the largest artificial recreational lake in New Zealand. Located in the South Island of New Zealand, 100km south of Christchurch it services the Ashburton district, which has a population of 30,000 people. The lake area is just over 70 hectares with approximately 7000 m of shoreline and was developed principally for water sport activities. It provides for an international length-rowing course (2km), as well as water skiing, sailing, dive training, swimming and sunbathing. As part of the development of the lake a new residential subdivision on its shores has been planned. This includes a staged construction of 150 sections with lake or canal frontages. From its initial conception the social impact of the lake's construction on both the township and its surrounding population was considered. Throughout this innovative project the close liaison with the local community, through public meetings, public open days and transparent media coverage has meant that support has grown in parallel to this community spirit. The community resource has impacted, both socially and commercially, on the lives of those living in and around the district.