The Sports and Recreation Forum was recently treated to a presentation and a useful workshop session facilitated by hired consultants.
Sue Suter from Suter Planners and representatives from Realty Solutions Association facilitated the meeting at Dunes Café.
Participants worked hard to find a way forward for community sports facilities.
The plan was to come up with a recreation facilities redevelopment strategy, and the forum is about half-way through this process.
Ms Suter said there needed to be an analysis of the demand for facilities.
“The indoor facilities are very good … some are being used at close to capacity."
But given that demand is set to grow across the board the meeting went on to focus on a sensible way forward for users of outside recreational spaces.
Issues to do with football ovals, race tracks, tennis courts, equestrian reserves and playing fields were all canvassed.
"There is no quick answer to any of this,” Ms Suter said before the meeting.
Designing outside sport spaces that had more than one use was suggested.
Was it possible to link some activities?
Should the oval be re-located?
What would replace it?
Are night lights one solution to increasing demand?
You can have your say by contacting Suzanne Suter of Suter Planners on 088379 7768 or 0412 016506