MEDIA RELEASE
7 November 2003

Community help guide plans for Eden Epsom recreation area

Recently surveyed residents of Mt Eden and Epsom have helped to steer Auckland City’s future plans for a local recreation area.

The random community survey which was sent out in October, was an important part of the consultation process, and asked people about various options for the recreation area, which look to make the best use of the parks and ensure a wide range of leisure opportunities for people to enjoy.

A total of 255 official responses were received, and the results reflected community support for:
- building a multi-sport facility in the area
- planting an ornamental garden on the Poronui side of Nicholson Park (north)
- draining and lighting the grass field on Windmill Park
- taking up the cricket wickets in Melville Park each winter (excluding the premier wicket) to form two full-sized sports fields (preferably for women’s and girl’s sport) and installing lights for training
- construction of four additional tennis courts on Nicholson Park (south).

The survey results also highlighted community concern about building any vehicular thoroughfare between Poronui Street and Epsom Avenue and constructing a skate park in Windmill Park.

The results are currently being considered by both the Hobson and Eden Albert Community Boards.

Auckland City Council’s Recreation and Events Committee chairperson, Councillor Scott Milne, says there have been several components to progressing this concept.

“Initially we consulted with community groups and sports clubs, now we have the results of the random survey. Once these are processed, Community Boards will discuss a way forward. The advice of professional engineers, landscape architects and city planners will also be incorporated. The result will be a suggested plan, which will then be put out for repeat consultation with all parties involved.

“We realised that tackling an area development of this scale would be faced with challenges. There are many stakeholders and a diverse range of activities in this area. The council, however, feels strongly that a holistic, long term view is essential to gain maximum benefit for local residents, club members and Auckland residents further afield.”

The survey results together with relevant policies, strategic and technical information, design considerations and submissions, will form the basis for concept plans, which will be available for general public consultation in early 2004.

For more information about the proposed Eden Epsom recreation area, or to make a submission, please visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/edenepsom.

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