Consultative forums will be held throughout the Central Otago and Southern Lakes region to gauge clubs, sporting organisations and schools’ feedback on a draft strategy for Regional Sport and Recreation Facilities, says Owen Booth of Sport Otago.
“The draft strategy, prepared by consultants Global Leisure Group, aims to identify the current provision of sport and recreation facilities, any gaps in that provision, and provide direction and priorities for future needs,” he says.
“The forums will provide a brief overview of the rationale behind the strategy and the work carried out to-date, and seek feedback in this regard from clubs, schools and sporting organisations. It should also help organisations who intend to submit written feedback by 2 April to get any clarifications needed,” says David Allan, of Global Leisure.
“It’s vital we gauge feedback from clubs to ensure the strategy looks to cater to the true needs of our growing communities,” says Simon Battrick, Sport & Recreation Manager, Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Forums are to be held in each major town throughout the district, the first in Cromwell on Tuesday 13th March, followed by Alexandra on Thursday 15th, and the following week, Queenstown on Monday 19th and Wanaka Tuesday 20th.
The forums are looking for feedback in verifying and filling gaps in existing participation data, confirming that the facilities documented are an accurate reflection of what is currently available for each sport, and each sport’s needs in relation to facilities and spaces.
“Understanding requirements, now and into the future will make all the difference to the district’s facilities in the years to come. We want to make sure all the clubs get a chance to review the draft strategy and come along to the forum in their region to ensure we incorporate their feedback into the strategy,” says Chief Executive, Sport Otago, John Brimble.
The final report will incorporate feedback from the clubs and the census data being collected over the next few weeks.
“It should provide a true picture of the requirement in the region moving forward and allow a well thought out strategy to cater to the regions needs in the coming years,” says Central Lakes Trust Chief Executive Susan Finlay.
If any clubs have not received an electronic copy of the draft strategy document prior to the forum, please email Owen Booth for a copy at obooth@sportotago.co.nz
The forums will be facilitated by Global Leisure and Sport Otago, who are managing the project.
The project is a collaboration between local stakeholders and partners with a vested interest, which include; Central Lakes Trust, Sport Central, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Central Otago District Council, as well as Sport New Zealand, Sport Otago, Otago Community Trust and the Community Trust of Southland.