A plan to guide Manurewa Local Board’s investment in sports facilities has been adopted.
Board Chair Joseph Allan says the Manurewa Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan was shaped by sports clubs, mana whenua and recreation organisations.
“Sports are important to many people, and our clubs and organisations are essential parts of the community. We need to be plan so we can provide groups with the facilities they need going forward.”
The plan details current facilities regardless of their ownership and identifies challenges, considering location, type of activity, and its needs.
More than three-quarters of recreation groups provided input during consultations and Allan says research showed Manurewa was well provided for, with more than 150 parks, open spaces, water access and sport facilities.
“We have deprivation, and a diverse and young population compared to the rest of Auckland. Getting the right mix of facilities in terms of type, function, condition, access, and location is critical. It’s going to require the flexibility to adapt to changing needs.”
General findings included accessibility issues impacting participation, aging facilities, a reliance on schools, and a need for more localised facilities.
Board member Ken Penney says adding to Manurewa’s low level of sand-carpeted fields, and better lighting, would lift the number of playing hours.
“The plan says investing in that area could bring benefits. Some other board areas have nearly half of their fields sand-carpeted, but only 9 percent of ours are.”
In the indoor space, there was a reliance on Manurewa High School and Alfriston College to provide courts. “They are both at capacity. We may need to add to what’s provided at the Leisure Centre and Te Matariki Clendon,” Penney says.
Water-related facilities were well-used but by a comparatively small section of the population. Totara Park’s summer visitors were using a pool in ‘average to poor’ condition, and a need was seen to improve Manukau Harbour access with infrastructure such as waka storage and meeting places for cultural and community purposes.
Totara Park’s mountain-bike trails were seen as a major asset, but there was limited access to wheel-based activities such as skateboarding.
Outdoor facilities for golf, bowls, croquet and equestrian events all faced challenges around increasing maintenance costs, while the research showed there were few outdoor exercise facilities.
The plan prioritises almost 50 projects and is available here.
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