Upper Clutha sports facilities now for feedback

The Wanaka Sports Facilities Discussion Document, prepared by the Wanaka Sports Facilities Working Party is now available for public feedback.

The Upper Clutha community is being asked to give serious consideration to identifying the future location of sports facilities in the area.

“This is a major community undertaking,”Wanaka Sports Facility Working Party Chairman Mike Saunders said.

The discussion document and feedback form was an opportunity for the community to consider the options and give the Wanaka Sports Facilities Working Party, the Wanaka Community Board and the council considered feedback,” he said.

The working party encouraged the community - from sporting bodies to families - to sit down and discuss the contents of the document.

“We want to encourage discussion and debate so that the community can formulate its clear views on the options,” Mr Saunders said.

The document focuses on four site options; Kelly's Flat, Lismore Park, the Showgrounds area and a Greenfields site.

The various options had implications but probably the biggest issue for the community to consider was the option of creating an integrated sports hub for both indoor and outdoor codes. The merits of co-locating an Aquatic Centre to add benefits and vibrancy to any site also had to be considered.

The working party planned two community drop-in sessions on the discussion document at the Lake Wanaka Centre from 3-7pm on September 3 and 10.

“The sessions will be very informal but it’s important we make the opportunity available for the community to come and ask questions and give us feedback,” Mr Saunders said.

The discussion document and feedback form were now available on the council website www.qldc.govt.nz or at the council office on Ardmore Street (Thursday). Feedback must be with the council by Friday 19 September, 2008.