Parking upgrade
The community has agreed to expand the Makino Aquatic Centre car park.
The proposal to build additional car parking in Council Place in Feilding was put forward by the Manawatu District Council in its draft Annual Plan and has drawn positive feedback from Manawatu district residents.
The project will cost $64,000 and will be funded through loans. Ratepayers will fork out for the interest component of the loan, amounting to $5000.
In its draft Annual Plan the council said the existing car park was not adequate enough to cater for all visitors.
The car park follows a $6 million refurbishment last year, which closed the facility for 10 months.
The topic drew 12 written submissions, with nine for the building of the car park and three against the proposed concept. There were also several verbal submissions.
Submissions applauded the council for its dedication to upgrading the swimming facility, but drew criticism for the estimated price tag to complete the project.
General manager of community and strategy Brent Limmer said the cost was based on expected curb lengths, foundation work and asphalt required.
The actual costs would not be known until a contractor was sourced, he said.
Mayor Helen Worboys said the current system was ‘‘higgledy piggledy’’ with vehicles parked on the grass, damaging the turf.
Ten parks are proposed on the southern side of Council Place.
While located in Council Place, the council assured ratepayers the car park would be only for customers. Council staff are required to park on surrounding roads or the car park next to the Salvation Army.
Feilding resident Joanna Saywell was in support of the upgrade, but wanted to see surrounding land developed as well.
She wanted to see the playground amenities that were removed during the Makino upgrade reinstated. In particular the old wagon, the artificial hill and the walkway around the centre from Manchester St to the bridge.
‘‘This playground was very popular at weekends with the wagon and hill favoured by younger children.’’
Federated Farmers’ former chairman James Stewart questioned whether a portion of the user charge fees could have contributed to the cost rather than targeting the wider rating community.
Tangimoana resident Sue Trayling supported Stewart’s argument and thought it unfair she had to pay for the upgrade. She also questioned the cost of the car park.
‘‘$80,000 for a car park behind the pool must involve a lot of planning. Levelling, asphalt, a few sleepers around the edges and some white lines painted could surely be easily done for $20,000.’’
Other submissions noted there was plenty of other off-street parking available in the vicinity of the pool.
Bill and Christine Edge listed four streets within five minutes walking distance of Council Place that were usually empty.
‘‘How close do people need to be? We are encouraging people to be active and it is not realistic for everyone to be parking at the front door.’’