I'm open to either option; but I think we do need to make sure we agree on the measurements! When I look at aerial pics and measure, I get a minimum distance of 14M between the desire line and the official path at their closest point, and upwards of 18M at the widest.
I think in that context, you probably need more than plantings, you need a fullsize, wrap-around bench on a hard seat wall, framed by dense planting.
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The 14M is the red line
I think if we widen the shot out we can see the reason for the desire line
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If you're wanting to get from under the table top to the main park path, the red line shows the straightest route, assuming many people would avoid walking across the sand/mulch of the playground.
That route is 38M
The official route (still not completely official because there is no paved path btw the boardwalk trail and the main trail):
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This route which keeps you more on the official path is a whopping 63M
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While the route below would keep you on hard surface trails, but require you to travel 67M; and if you were heading north-west would add several more metres when you doubled-back.
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