North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Sport tops wishlist in feedback
Asked what they thought was missing from their local area, overwhelmingly respondents to the draft Upper Harbour Local Board plan highlighted the need for future-proofed sporting facilities.
The topic of parks, sports and recreation made up the majority of the feedback, with 148 submissions - which was more than the rest of the topics put together.
All comments relating to sport unanimously expressed the need for more facilities.
Both indoor and outdoor sporting facilities were pinpointed by the community.
Of the 35 comments calling for an indoor facility, 27 specifically mentioned a need for indoor basketball courts.
‘‘I have been to several community facilities in the greater Auckland area and see that North Shore is definitely lacking, especially for indoor basketball facilities. We need more indoor courts with good public viewing areas,’’ a submitter wrote.
A desire for multi-use facilities and all-weather artificial turfs was expressed during the six-week consultation period. Some submitters also requested upgrades to existing parks like Rosedale Park North.
Business North Harbour was the only submitter to question the emphasis on sporting facilities in the local board plan.
The association asked for access to research showing the wider community’s priority for additional sports fields over commercial efficiency.
Recreation spaces targeted at young people were also a top priority for people who contributed to the plan via online forms, hard copy forms, emails, post, at Have Your Say events and on social media.
Suggestions for youth-focused facilities included sports fields and courts, as well as skate parks, arcades and youth drop-in centres.
Auckland Council staff are currently analysing the consultation feedback and will make recommendations to the Upper Harbour Local Board.
The Local Government (Auckland Council) Act 2009 requires local boards to produce and adopt a local board plan by October 31.