Media Release

2 April 2004

Plans for Eden Epsom recreation hub on track

The Recreation and Events Committee yesterday agreed to continue with the consultation and concept design for a recreation hub in Eden/Epsom.

Auckland City is looking at options for the development of a recreation area in Eden Epsom to enhance the use of open space and group recreation facilities together.

The Eden Epsom recreation area comprises three local parks – Windmill Park, Melville Park and Nicholson Park. Open space areas around Auckland College of Education, Auckland Normal Intermediate School and Kohia Terrace Primary School are also taken into consideration.

The project was initiated in 2001 after some clubs already located on North Nicholson park expressed interest in developing a sports facility on the reserve. The city wanted any developments to be considered in the context of the wider recreation area rather than occurring in isolation.

Three public open days were held during March and were well attended by hundreds of locals and wider users of the recreation area. People had the opportunity ask questions, view and comment on three different development options.

People also had the opportunity to comment online before 29 March 2004 and two random surveys of the community took place in November and March to gain further comment on the options.

Several hundred official submissions have been received through the consultation process. Auckland City Council’s Recreation and Events Committee chairperson, Councillor Scott Milne, says there has been a high level of interest in this project.

“We rolled out a comprehensive communications plan ensure to that people knew how they could have their say during the consultation, and as a result we have received hundreds of valuable comments,“ says Mr Milne.

“Council has been rigorous in ensuring the consultation has been scientifically based and conducted through approved methods. External consultants will now analyse both the consultation process and the results of two random surveys of 1500 people, and the comments received at our three public open days and through our website. This independent analysis will ensure the process remains objective,” he says.

Community boards and council will then consider comments received regarding the various development options, and will make a decision on the final concept plan for the recreation area. Developments will then be progressively programmed through the annual planning process over the next 5 – 10 years.

Ends

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