Gaps in community centre space in the Waiuku subdivision, and neighbourhood parks in the Pukekohe and Waiuku subdivisions have been identified in a Franklin community provision investigation.
Franklin Local Board has accepted the report’s findings, which include predictions the situation will worsen, with a projected gap in community centre and leisure space in the Pukekohe subdivision by 2031, and in the Wairoa subdivision by 2041.
It says inside 30 years there will be gaps in the provision of arts and culture, library, community centre, aquatic and leisure spaces in the Drury area, and a shortfall of indoor court spaces across the board area.
Board chair Angela Fulljames says members are concerned at the potential lack of space for recreation in an area that is growing faster then most other across the city.
“We have given extensive feedback on the report, including moves we see as key, such as developing an indicative business case for a new multi-use community site and an aquatic and leisure facility for Drury, securing the land for that ahead of development and monitoring Pukekohe Library’s capacity to ensure it can serve future populations.”
Potential gaps where residents can enjoy leisure activities are being identified. Widespread growth across the region is making the need to plan effectively imperative.
She says in the open space area, members want equitable access to open space across the board area.
“We need to be focussed on broadening open space experiences by improving quality and accessibility to cater for a range of users and needs.
“Members have also called for a review of the 2015 Community Facilities Network Plan to ensure planning acknowledges increased board decision-making and reflects the local context and need.”
She says the area also relies heavily on volunteers.
“Beachlands relies on local trusts and volunteers to provide core community facilities and services, with the service level not equitable with other parts of Franklin.
“We have unique issues, things like Te Puru Charitable Trust providing recreation and leisure space, but not being funded to maintain its buildings, which need renewal.
“Should the trust fold, there would be no recreation facilities in Beachlands. The report has not identified local nuances like that.”
Beachlands and Maraetai libraries are also volunteer-led, opening for limited hours, so that they do not provide the same level of service as libraries in Pukekohe and Waiuku.
“Again, if volunteers stopped, there would be no library service at all in those areas.”
The board’s feedback on the report is available.
