VEHICLE CIRCULATION

Entrances

The proposal builds on existing vehicle entry points to Caroline Bay.

On the east side, the existing car park will be enhanced with formal entrance gates and tree planting. Threshold treatment to slow traffic will be introduced at the entrance. Trees will be planted in the existing car park area. From this entry point and car park area, access to the proposed new saltwater pool and associated new car parking will be created.

On the west side, access from Virtue Avenue will be maintained and enhanced with formal entrance gates. Threshold road treatment to slow traffic will be introduced.

Both vehicle entrances will be given similar treatment to clearly indicate vehicle entrances to the park. The character of this treatment will be extended to signage directing drivers to Caroline Bay along Evans Road and Sefton Street.

Option A - East and West Entrances and Car parks

This option proposes that vehicles are restricted to the east and west ends of the Caroline Bay where new car parks will cater for visitors to the beach.

The advantages of this option are:

• Removal of perceived separation of park and beach.
• Maintains a larger area of open green space.
• Less potential for vehicle /pedestrian conflict.

The disadvantages are:

No through access to the east at times of high volumes of exiting traffic.

East - West Connections

Option B - East West Through Road

A narrow (5.5 metre wide) two-way vehicle access way will link the east and west vehicle entrances and areas of proposed new car parks

The accessway will have no parking on either side. Vehicles will be slowed with a series humps at pedestrian crossing points. Bollards will prevent vehicles from crossing onto grass areas. At selected points access to the beach grass picnic areas will be opened to vehicles. Swales will be used for drainage without constructing concrete kerbs and channels.

The advantages of providing a vehicle linkage from the east and west entrances are:

• Increase direct access for vehicles to the beach and associated picnic areas.
• Will allow disabled persons to experience and enjoy Caroline Bay, including beach area, to a greater degree.
• Allows for vehicle passage at times of high traffic such as at carnival time or when concerts are held at the Soundshell.
• Provides general maintenance and servicing access.

Disadvantages include:

• Perceived separation of 'park' and beach.
• Potential for vehicle/pedestrian conflicts.
• Could potentially become a "race track" if not managed with vehicle controls.
• Increased danger for children.

Option C - Peak Times Through Road Only

This option proposes that the through road be used only at peak times such as Boxing day, New Years day, second Sunday in January, and while major concerts are being held. This option is similar to Option A with lockable gates added to control through road access.

Car Parking

Existing car parks will be enhanced with tree planting and the creation of planted traffic islands that visually break up large open areas of asphalt. This will not significantly reduce the number of existing car parks. Access from the west will be reconfigured to create an attractive arrival experience through landscaped wetland areas. Car parking immediately adjacent to the Caroline Bay Assn. building will be maintained and increased in number.

Spillover car parking on the grass would continue adjacent to the existing car park for use during concerts or special functions. When not in use for car parking this area will be used for picnicking and casual recreation. This area will appear as a picturesque parkland.

A new car park at the eastern end of the beach will cater for beach users, sightseers, wheel park users, sports field users, beach volleyball court users, and future saltwater pool users. This car park will be tree planted for shade and shelter. Approximately 160 new car parks will be created.

An additional new car park is also proposed between the Tearooms and the Soundshell. These will enhance parking convenience for persons attending either venue and in particular enhance access for disabled persons.

New car parking at the western end of the beach will cater for beach users and sightseers. This will be a smaller car park than the proposed eastern car park.

(A total of approximately 600 sealed parking spots are illustrated on the plan.)

Bus Turnaround

An extension to the existing car park area within the Port Loop Road is proposed to accommodate buses. This will provide an alternative access for persons traveling to the Bay by bus and a direct link to the rose garden via the pedestrian underpass.