The New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) were excited to see that Hamilton City Council have made fantastic provisions for sport and recreation in their ten-year plan.
NZRA made a submission to the council during the consultation process, highlighting the importance of high-quality recreation for New Zealanders, and it seems that the council have taken note.
Highlights from the plan include:
- Significant increases in maintenance budgets (e.g. cycleways, buildings, structures, pools, playgrounds, sports fields etc)
- Construction of infrastructure at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park to allow it to be opened to the public, with walkways
- Development of a new aquatic centre at Rototuna
- A shared 4 court indoor recreation facility at the University of Waikato
- $5 million of new playgrounds and significant upgrades to other existing ones
- $3 million for drainage and irrigation improvements on 12 fields at 6 sports parks (gives more capacity for training and to find fields for lacrosse)
- Full development of the Rototuna sports park
- New turf at FMG Waikato Stadium
- $50.55 million to extend bike paths throughout Hamilton
Sam Newton, NZ Rec Advocacy Manager, said “We are delighted that Hamilton City Council have listened to us and included recreation as a key component of their ten-year plan and we hope that their investment in New Zealanders inspires other councils to do the same”.