FOHP Presentation to the Community and Recreation Committee Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to speak today. I am Karen Wright and represent the combined views of over 500 residents who have signed a petition opposing the proposal to relocate Bowls to Hinemoa Park, as we wish to retain the current open green space for everybody to freely enjoy. When we spoke to you in August, some Councillors stated that placing Bowls at Hinemoa Park was not ideal and David Ayers said he would be keen to hear if we came up with any alternative solutions. Last M onday we presented alternative sites for the relocation of the Riverside Bowling Club to the Kaiapoi Community Board. No members of the KCB made any comments following our presentation, and there has still been no interest in discussing our concerns directly with us, which is extremely disappointing as the KCB should at least acknowledge that as members of the community we too have a right to have our views represented, taken into account and given feedback as to why they believe our alternative suggestions are not appropriate. We welcome this dialogue from the Community and Recreation Committee. A copy of the speech presented to the Board last Monday was emailed to you all last night. Today we will summarise what we believe are the most viable options and the reasons why. The three main options: When asked about Currie Park, Craig Sargison replied that because it was unknown what would happen to the red-zoned areas the Council could not plan on using any of this land for a reserve. Our argument was that because so much land around Currie Park had been red-zoned there would be a significant reduction in the population in the area and hence an extra reserve need not be considered at this stage. And there are still two good-sized parks within a short walk of Currie Park. Gladstone Park has been earmarked as a potential site for a sporting hub. It is owned by the Council and has carpark facilities. Whilst some members of the Riverside Bowling Club find it offensive that we have even suggested Gladstone Park, other members of this group have in fact suggested it to us. The Master Green Space and Sporting Facilities Plan has suggested this site for relocating other Kaiapoi sporting clubs, like Croquet and Rugby League. M any bowlers in Kaiapoi have told us they do not agree with Bowls being located in Hinemoa Park and want nothing to do with this proposal. With regard to siting the Bowling Club at Sovereign Palms, the report on Bowls (page 3) states that the area was acquired so that it would accommodate a full size sports field. The rationale for not placing bowls at S overeign Palms is that the size of the subdivision means they should have all this space available as open green space and that it is a significant distance from other open spaces for ball sports. Page 1
Sovereign Palms is closer to Kaiapoi Park and Kaiapoi Domain (playing fields), than Hinemoa Park is to M urphy Park (our closest playing field). Sovereign Palms is also close to the Kaiapoi Lakes which is an excellent facility for passive recreation. With Silverstream coming online much sooner than originally anticipated this also becomes an option. Statistics: I would just like to point out the statistics relating to parks within Kaiapoi: • Kaiapoi has approximately 19.35 hectares of parks. • North of the river = 63% (excludes extensive riverside reserves, Kaiapoi Lakes, Kaiapoi Park) • South of the river = 37% in the south • Population = 44% in the north and 56% in the south (2006 census) • Siting the bowling complex on Hinemoa Park will remove a further 5000 square metres from the open space freely accessible in the south • A carpark will reduce the space further I would like to draw you attention to the graph, which clearly shows the disproportionate reserve allocation throughout Kaiapoi. Park space per person North South As you know, placing a Bowling Complex at Hinemoa Park will result in the removal of some trees and seating as the complex will take up a significant amount of green space, and reduce the ability for multiple groups to concurrently use the park, and significantly change its amenity value forever. It will limit our ability to socially play ball-based sports and disrupt the passive recreation activities that people seek here for relaxation. Page 2
Two of our main objections to this proposal, the loss of amenity value of the park and concerns about increased traffic on our narrow roads, would be virtually eliminated in any of the three options above. If you approve this proposal you are stating that you would rather take up existing green space, significantly impacting upon the amenity value of a well-established and highly valued park. This is contradictory to what many councillors have expressed over recent months. I quote statements in the Press on 27th October 2011 – “Taking up green space is something none of us want to do… ” , “… I don’t think Kaiapoi people are all that keen on seeing their diminished number of reserves occupied by houses if we can possibly avoid it” and “ the loss of sports grounds and reserves is an issue that we don’t approach lightly because those local parks are important for those parts of the community” . If you honestly believe your own rhetoric you will not compromise Hinemoa Park and will not proceed to apply for resource consent for the Bowling Complex. We have been told time and time again that the resource consent process will address our concerns – you are our elected members and you should address our concerns. Why spend time and money on a clearly unpopular proposal? Our group is committed to fighting this and will be engaging legal representation to oppose the resource consent application and liquor licence. Hinemoa Park is extremely important to the community which currently makes use of it. We urge you to place Bowls in an area which will have less negative effects on the community. We are grateful for the time that Jim Palmer and Craig Sargison set aside to meet with us in what we know are very busy times, to hear and acknowledge our concerns first-hand. And for the time Craig spent visiting the Anglican Cemetery site with us. I would also like to thank this Committee allowing us once again to address it. Page 3
Summary of FOHP Presentation to Kaiapoi Community Board (November 2011) Concerns • Kaiapoi has approximately 19.35 hectares of parks. • North of the river = 63% (excludes extensive riverside reserves, Kaiapoi Lakes, Kaiapoi Park) • South of the river = 37% in the south • Population = 44% in the north and 56% in the south (2006 census) • Siting the bowling complex on Hinemoa Park will remove a further 5000 square metres from the open space freely accessible in the south • Additionally a carpark will decrease the available space further • Residential streets not wide enough to take into consideration increased traffic from bowling complex • WDC would like the Kaiapoi Bowling Club to also move to this site, further increasing traffic flows • Noise from evening functions held at the pavilion • Loss of the open green space Options Although we listed more options in our presentation, I have summarised the main three here: Development of a site within one of the new subdivisions • Such a site could have roading wide enough to safely accommodate more than just residential traffic. • Potential purchasers of properties bordering the site could be made aware that a bowling complex would occupy the site, and any terms governing the complex’s operating hours Craig Sargison has said that the new reserve at Sovereign Palms has been earmarked for a sports field. The Friends of Hinemoa Park have consistently told the Council that we would be very happy for Hinemoa Park to be used for any grass based sports that did not lock up a portion of the park. Site the bowling complex in Sovereign Palms and allow other sporting clubs to use Hinemoa Park. And now with the new Silverstream development getting approval, there is also the potential for space here. Currie Park • Within the green zone • Two well-equipped parks within 5 minutes walking distance – 1.15 hectares of reserve • M ost of the surrounding area is red-zoned – removal of housing will mean less people requiring reserve space Page 4
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