Input on community facilities sought

By Frank Neill

Wellington City Council is currently seeking feedback on its proposed Community Facilities Plan, Te Awe M para. One of the big gaps the proposed plan has identified is the need for a recreation centre in Johnsonville. A new Johnsonville recreation centre would cater for a variety of indoor sports – including basketball, badminton, volleyball and gymnastics,. It would also include a recreation space for children.

“If people think that is a good idea, they should comment on that” and provide the feedback to the council, says Councillor Tony Randle. “Have a look at the plan and see what is in it for your community, and if we’re missing anything please let us know,” Cr Randle says. To fill the gap created by the lack of a recreational centre between Nairnville Park and Tawa, the plan recommends that the council undertakes a suburb-wide needs assessment and feasibility study.

The plan, which is available at https://www. letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/wellingtons-community-facilities, covers 275 community facilities, including: undertaking a needs assessment and feasibility study across Newlands, Khandallah, Ngaio and Wadestown. Consultation will run until Monday 7 August. Submissions, which can be made via the website address above, will then be considered and the final plan completed in October. “We had an overwhelming response to the surveys in November 2022 asking Wellingtonians what was important to them about community facilities and what they would like to see more of in the future,” says Cr Teri O’Neill, the Chair of the K rau M tinitini Social, Cultural and Economic Committee.

“We expect to see similar levels of engagement with submissions this time round,” Cr O’Neill says.The purpose of the Community Facilities Plan is to guide the Council’s provision and decision-making about community facilities for the next 30 years.

The mission of the plan is for Wellington to have thriving and accessible community facilities where people connect, have fun and belong. Mayor Whanau says Wellington’s community facilities are special and contribute a lot to how we keep connected and stay healthy.

“We shouldn’t take these spaces for granted and should think about how we best manage and utilise them in the future, and how they can continue to improve our quality of life.

“I’m proud of the work the council is doing in this space and will look forward to the benefits being felt by everyone as the input and plans come together over the next 10 years.” land used by sports, recreation, arts, culture and community groups.

As well as recommending a study of Johnsonville, the plan also recommends

As well as flagging the lack of a Johnsonville recreation centre as one of the city’s big needs, the plan also flags the success of the Waitohi Centre as a multi use community facility.

“Waitohi is a model for the Wellington community,” Cr Randle says.

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