MEDIA RELEASE

2 October 2003

Random survey for proposed Eden/Epsom recreation area

Residents of Mt Eden and Epsom are to be surveyed next week to guide Auckland City’s future plans for a local recreation area.

The concept aims to enhance the use of open space and group recreation facilities together. This would create a dynamic community hub, accessible to a wide range of people around the community. It was one of 18 locations identified across the city for enhancement to provide for the current and future recreational needs of the local community.

The survey, of 1500 residents, will help Auckland City develop concept plans for the proposed Eden/Epsom recreation area, which could comprise three local sports parks - Windmill Park, Melville Park and Nicholson Park, and open space areas around Auckland College of Education, Auckland Normal Intermediate School and Kohia Terrace Primary School.

The survey will include information about various options for the recreation area, which would look to make the best use of the parks and ensure a wide range of leisure opportunities for people to enjoy.

Councillor Scott Milne, Auckland City Council’s Recreation and Events Committee chairperson, believes the survey is a critical tool in the consultation process.

“It’s fantastic to get direction from the public on what they want before we go out and start narrowing down the options. I want 1500 of the 1500 surveys returned – I want people to really give their elected representatives a good steer,” he said.

Mr Milne says the Hobson and Eden/Albert community boards will be involved in considering the results of the random community survey.

“Community boards are looking forward to this preliminary input – it will help guide them and the Recreation and Events Committee when the final decisions are made,” says Mr Milne.

However, before any decisions are made, further public consultation about the project will take place probably early next year.

Ends

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