Feilding park upgrade on hold despite plea
A youth group’s impassioned plea to start work at a Feilding park has been shunned by the council.
The Manawatu Youth Ambassadors urged the Manawatu District Council to install a toilet and shower block at Timona Park, but the project has been deferred until the council’s 2018/2028 Long Term Plan.
While mayor Helen Worboys said they wanted to support the project they needed more time to investigate options.
Funding was set aside for work to begin this year, but the $105,000 project has been put on hold for 12 months.
The 24-hectare park spans along the Oroua River, attracting dog walkers, families and campers.
Youth ambassador Alex Short said upgraded facilities should have beenhigh priority at the park and disagreed with the council’s decision to delay work.
The current toilet block was rundown and not a good reflection on the town, she said.
‘‘We believe the current toilet facilities are simply not adequate and do not cater to today’s user or the wide range of potential users the park could have in the future.
‘‘We are embarrassed to see the state of Feilding’s current holiday park as it does not give a good impression of Feilding to tourists.’’
Short said the park could do more to welcome motorhomes and freedom campers as they contributed to the economy.
‘‘The council could look at cutting costs by installing composting toilets rather than connecting to the town’s sewage system.’’
The youth group believed the
‘‘We are embarrassed to see the state of Feilding's current holiday park as it does not give a good impression of Feilding to tourists.’’ Alex Short, youth ambassador
amenity block should be located near the children’s playground.
Short said families visited the playground often and the current facilities were ‘‘quite a distance’’.
Cr Alison Short, also Alex’s mother, said several people had commented on the lack of facilities for ‘‘park-up’’ campers.
‘‘Like it or not we’re going to get campervans if we’re serious about bringing people here.’’
Deferring the project will save the council $14,000 in operational costs.