Call out for community input into reserves plan

Community input into the management of Omakau and Ophir’s reserves will be sought in the coming weeks.

At the Vincent Community Board held in Alexandra on Monday (12 June) members approved release of the draft Omakau and Ophir Reserves Management Plan for public notification.

Initially, this was just going to be for the Omakau Recreation Reserve, however the draft plan was expanded to include all Council owned parks and reserves in Omakau and Ophir.

One of the reserves included in the report tabled at the meeting was the Ophir Ice Rink on Tiger Hill. The 0.6161 hectare block had been gifted to the community by the Stafford family. Board member Cr Tracy Paterson gave an anecdote of how the rink, last used in the big freeze of 1995, had been expanded because school children wanted a bigger rink. Lighting was donated. However, in the intervening years the unused rink had been used for grazing.

“It’s a really cool part of our history … it’s an example of how community operates to get things done,” Cr Paterson said.

The question the community had to decide was what to do with the reserve now, Central Otago District Council Parks and Recreation Manager Gordon Bailey said.

After the meeting, he said that the historic value was noted, and would be added to the draft management plan before it was released.

A reserve management plan (RMP) is a document that consists of some history, current information and management statements to guide consistent decision-making regarding the future development and management of a reserve. While many reserves operate without an RMP, the purpose is to ensure the development and implementation of objectives and policies that enhance the long-term use of a reserve do not compromise its existing use.

Of note, was the proposed development of a community hub at the Omakau Recreation Reserve, which Cr Paterson reported to the meeting was progressing well.

The community board recently approved funding of the new facility in the Long-term Plan up to $ 1million by way of loan/reserve fund contribution/general reserve (1/3 each way).

Public consultation is required under the Reserves Act 1977 to establish the community hub on the reserve. If an RMP is developed for the reserve, consultation will be undertaken on the plan and will not be required specifically and separately for the community hub.

The Wilson St Reserve in Omakau has also been included in the Omakau-Ophir draft plan. The 443 m2 reserve has public toilets and a building which is leased to the Omakau Toy Library. which intends to relocate into the new community hub on the Omakau Recreation Reserve.

The Ophir Recreation Reserve, also on list, contains the Council owned and community operated Ophir Swimming Pool. The reserve is 3309 m2 and contains an old tennis court and amenity spaces.

Following the meeting CODC Group Manager - Community Experience David Scoones said he was looking forward to feedback from the community.

“There’s plenty happening out at Omakau and Ophir in this vibrant community, and while the team have met with a few community groups to get this draft started, we know this innovative community has even more ideas to be included.”