Central Otago District Council is inviting community feedback as it embarks on a project to develop Council’s first Open Spaces and Recreation Strategy.
“We know public open space is important to our Central Otago community, said Parks Officer – Planning & Strategy Dr Nikki Aaron. “We are currently looking at how we approach the use and development of open space on Council land across the district over the next 30 years.”
Council has opened up a survey to help inform the draft strategy. It asks questions to help understand how the community is using parks and other public open spaces currently and how they might be used in the future.
“As our population continues to grow, and community needs and expectations change, an Open Spaces and Recreation Strategy will help us plan for the future,” said Dr Aaron. “It will be a guiding document that will ensure we have enough of the right kind of open spaces, parks and sports fields, which are flexible enough for changing recreation needs over time.”
Public open spaces include parks, reserves, greenways, sports fields, playgrounds, skateparks, walking and cycling tracks, and anywhere outside where people gather to exercise, relax and socialise. Indoor recreation spaces such as Council’s pools, Molyneux Stadium and Maniototo Stadium are also included.
The Open Spaces and Recreation Survey is available online at https://lets-talk.codc.govt.nz/open-spaces-and-recreation. Hardcopies will be available at the Cromwell and Alexandra Pools, and any CODC library or service centre across the district. They survey will remain open until 11 September.
