There is a disparity in the quality of some parks and playgrounds across the Auckland region. Council is working on ways to address this.
“Legacy councils had different approaches to parks so there were a variety of standards prior to amalgamation; some areas were underfunded for various reasons. We’ve been working hard to bring everyone up to an acceptable standard,” says Waitākere Ward Councillor and Chair of the Community and Environment Committee Penny Hulse.
“Though we’re limited in what we can do by available funding. There is a finite budget. Just like in a family budget, as councillors we have to make tough choices.”
“Despite the disparity, many are still fit for purpose even if they’re not that flash. We’re also looking at creative ways of working with the private sector to see what more we can deliver.”
In the budget to 2025 council has allocated $25 million to provide new play spaces and $33 million to renew existing assets across the region.
“Out west, we generally have good parks,” says Waitākere Ward Councillor Linda Cooper.
“One of the reasons for this is that in Waitākere City Council days we had a policy called First Call for Kids. This policy basically said that whenever you did something, you had to think about the benefit for children.”
“We also have to make sure our parks cater for a wide range of needs, including older people and people with disabilities.”
“Local boards have been doing this by creating new ‘destination’ playgrounds, and including more accessible play options in new designs. And they’re installing exercise equipment in parks to encourage adults to get more active.”
“We also have to think regionally; we will need to invest in geographical areas where there are gaps or where there is a greater need.”
In July 2017 council consulted on the new plan Tākaro: Investing in Play – a high-level approach for the council’s play investment across the region over the next 20 years. The plan will provide criteria to help decision-makers prioritise when and where to invest.
In February 2018, council released a report summarising all public feedback received. It is now preparing the draft investment plan, and will seek feedback on the draft in late 2018.
