Park funding gets tick

A destination-type playground for northeast Hamilton is going ahead despite a challenge that nearly redistributed its funding.

Flagstaff residents have been calling for a playground for years and Hamilton City Council first planned a destination playground for Te Huia Reserve.

Councillors later approved sharing the money across two playgrounds, and on Tuesday staff proposed putting $150,000 into one in Te Huia Reserve and $1 million into a bigger one in Hare Puke Park.

At the community and services meeting, Cr Geoff Taylor said the $1m figure ‘‘verges on obscene’’.

‘‘When this council is facing a difficult financial future in the next few years, I just don’t find it acceptable to be spending $1m-plus on one playground.’’

In an August briefing councillors discussed ditching destination playgrounds in favour of smaller, neighbourhood playgrounds.

He proposed a reduction in spending on northeast playgrounds to $500,000 this year, for staff to look into what that could get them in terms of neighbourhood playgrounds around the area, and a review of council’s work under the Playgrounds of the Future plan.

A 5-5 deadlock after the first vote led Cr Paula Southgate to use her casting vote against it.

The northeast is ‘‘pretty devoid’’ of playgrounds, she said, and Hare Puke would have a big catchment.

Cr James Casson felt there was an east-west divide in views. ‘‘I think you understand the depth of feeling and the interest in the northeast for these sort of playgrounds to be there,’’ he said.

Cr Angela O’Leary supported destination playgrounds, saying they’re free family activities and are ‘‘incredibly, loved and incredibly well used’’.

They also cater for more age ranges and abilities or disabilities, she said.

Councillors voted 6-4 to support staff’s portioning of the budget.

Those against were: Mayor Andrew King, Deputy Mayor Martin Gallagher, and Crs Garry Mallett and Geoff Taylor.