Open Spaces and Physical Activity Strategy recommended for adoption

Published on 08 September 2022

Whanganui District Council’s new Open Spaces and Physical Activity Strategy is a step closer to adoption.

The new strategy brings together a number of previous documents and provides a new vision and goals to guide decision-making for Whanganui’s many open spaces and to encourage physical activity. The strategy’s vision is “vibrant places supporting healthy communities”.

The council’s Policy and Bylaw Committee met recently to consider the 72 formal submissions received following public consultation earlier this year.

Council policy manager, Elise Broadbent, says physical activity has been added to the strategy, to support the council’s role in helping people become more physically active – and to make sure parks, reserves and open spaces are accessible for all groups and to people of all abilities. A council survey last year also showed how important Whanganui’s open and natural spaces are to wellbeing.

“Ninety-four percent of the 72 formal submissions supported the strategy’s vision. The submissions were well-considered and helpful. We have taken feedback on-board where possible and reshaped it. Thank you to everyone who took time to submit,” Elise Broadbent says.

The strategy calls for the council to partner with other organisations and groups to find new and innovative ways of activating communities, look at increasing diversity in our open spaces and consider sun safety and solar protection. 

“Many submitters also asked the council to invest in new activities or equipment including cycleways and shared pathways, bridle paths and playgrounds,” Elise Broadbent says. “Some of these will be reviewed through the strategy’s action plan phase and any new investments would need to be considered in future budget rounds.

“This may include future annual and long-term plans. Another funding stream is the council’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund, which is now open for applications. The funding round closes on Friday, 30 September.”

The council’s chief executive, David Langford, says the strategy will ensure the council focuses on how open spaces and physical activity can be further enhanced when considering Whanganui’s increasing and ageing population, along with future urban development and a changing climate.

The Policy and Bylaw Committee recommended the final strategy be formally adopted at a full council meeting next Tuesday, 13 September. Once the strategy is adopted the action planning phase will begin.

Find out more about the Sport and Recreation Facilities Fund.

Image: The playground at Castlecliff Domain