Community feedback sought on sporting facilities
Published on 08 April 2016
8 April 2016
Whanganui’s future sport and recreation facility needs are the focus of a community feedback process which is now under way.
Whanganui District Council, in partnership with Sport Whanganui, is developing a Regional Sport Plan that includes infrastructure (built facilities); sport development; and recreation and events. The initial priority is infrastructure and the provision of facilities.
To assist in developing the plan, Global Leisure Group, an independent sport facility consultation business, conducted a review of key sporting facilities in consultation with local sports organisations. The review concentrated on built facilities such as Cooks Gardens and the Splash Centre. Golf clubs, bowling greens, field sport facilities and other open spaces will be reviewed in the sport development area of the Regional Sport Plan. The Velodrome, which is a key sporting asset for Whanganui, and possibility of roofing it are being considered separately from this plan.
A discussion document, based on the recommendations from the review, has been developed to seek community feedback on the future of sport and recreation facilities.
No decisions or commitments have been made – the process currently under way is to seek community views to guide any future Council decisions on sport facilities. The aim is to ensure Whanganui has the right amount and type of facilities and that they are maintained to a standard necessary for their purpose. This aligns with the Council’s 10-Year Plan 2015-2025 and Leading Edge vision.
“It is crucial the community has their say on the future of sport and recreation facilities in Whanganui, and that we are aware of what may be required to look after our major sporting assets that are the envy of other regions and try to leverage these to highlight what a fantastic place we have,” Cr Philippa Baker-Hogan, Whanganui District Council Sport and Recreation portfolio holder, said.
As a result of the facility review a number of recommendations have been made but these are currently only discussion points for community input.
“Most of these recommendations will need the community to come together and form partnerships to achieve their goals. Sport Whanganui is passionate about getting like-minded people together and pursuing these opportunities,” says Adam Gosney, General Manager at Sport Whanganui.
The key discussion points include whether the community and sporting codes would support the establishment of a community sports hub at Springvale Park and a river activity and tourism hub near the Whanganui River. The discussion document also asks for feedback on the possible relocation of the Whanganui Netball Centre to Springvale Park and making indoor cricket facilities available at Jubilee Stadium.
On behalf of the Council, Sport Whanganui is leading a public engagement programme including two public workshops on Thursday, April 14, and Tuesday, April 26. The workshops will be held at the Cooks Gardens Function Centre from 6.00pm-7.30pm.
The full review document, discussion document and feedback form are available at www.whanganui.govt.nz/haveyoursay or from the Customer Service Desk at the Council building in Guyton Street, Sport Whanganui and the Whanganui District Library. The feedback period closes on Monday, 2 May 2016.
For further information or to register for the public workshops, please contact Jimmy Hildreth at Sport Whanganui, email jimmy@sportwhanganui.co.nz.