Recreation

• Introduction
• Rationale for Delivery
• Public Perception
• Strategic Direction
• Activity Goal

Introduction

In May 2004 Council adopted a Sport and Recreation Policy (43 Kb PDF) which seeks to encourage better utilisation of our reserves and recreational assets. While Council has stewardship of over 500 hectares of public land, through the community services contract it maintains 120 hectares of public space and 17 playgrounds. Beyond the areas actively maintained there are large areas held by Council to preserve bio-diversity, water catchment areas and access to waterways (e.g. 60 hectares at Te Wahapu).

Council contracts out the management of the Kaitaia and Kerikeri swimming pools and provides a grant to ASB Recreation Centre, Kawakawa. It also administers 36 leases with sports clubs, 34 leases for a variety of community spaces and 10 grazing licences.

Council also contracts Sport Northland to provide three Sports Co-ordinators, administers the Community Sports Fund grant scheme and SPARC Rural Travel Fund. Council takes an active part in regional recreation initiatives such as the Physical Activity Northland task force and the 10,000 Steps programme; and the Northland Regional Physical Activity Strategy.

Council also supports community groups to provide facilities that are recognised in adopted recreation plans. This support can be through staff input, grants or letters of support to funding agencies.

Rationale for Delivery

There is a clear and established link between recreational activity and community well-being. For these benefits to be captured, however, there is a need for organisations to act as provider, funders and advocates. Council is in a strong position to work with other partners to fulfil this role. In many cases, if the public sector does not fulfil these roles, no one else will.

Public Perception

The community values parks and reserves for passive family recreation and gathering; and is concerned about their preservation, maintenance and planning. They see that there will be a need for more in the future (in the right places). There is also a strong demand to access the coast both now and into the future.

Strategic Direction

The Group’s aim is to contribute to community development through the provision and maintenance of facilities, encouraging the use of facilities and organising/supporting events that will contribute to the communities’ wellbeing.

Activity Goal

The community enjoys a significant benefit from the contribution that recreation makes to economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being, and community development in general.

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