Presentation to Community Board Meeting in Collingwood 8-3-2011

PRESENTATION TO

GOLDEN BAY COMMUNITY BOARD

8^TH MARCH 2011

“PROPOSED GOLDEN BAY COMMUNITY RECREATION, LEISURE & CULTURAL CENTRE”

GOLDEN BAY RECREATION PARK

Proposed New Community Shared Facility

Vision Statement

To build a new Community Recreation/Leisure/Cultural Facility at the Golden Bay Recreation Ground, which will provide a central hub for community activities in Golden Bay. In so doing, encouraging and enhancing participation, health, social and economic benefits to the residents of Golden Bay.

By having many activities on a central site it encourages greater interaction of the community. Our target user groups cover the entire population of Golden Bay from aged 1 to 90 years plus. We firmly believe the health benefits across all age groups have significant physical, mental and community benefits which translates into an overall healthier and more interactive community.

We are wanting to future-proof the provision of Sport, Recreation, Leisure and Cultural activities in Golden Bay for the generations to follow.

Who Are We?

Our combined group of like-minded sport, leisure, cultural and community groups has developed over the past 9 months.

There have been 5 open public meetings since 14 October 2010, when Peter Blasdale first introduced the idea of a combined shared facility in Golden Bay. These meetings have been advertised via the Golden Bay Weekly, an Internet based blog and word of mouth. Initially in excess of 60 people from all walks of life attended the first two meetings, with a core group of approximately 20 now attending and speaking for their individual groups

Interested parties include, as anticipated, many sporting groups, but of equal importance is the appeal of this facility to a far wider representation of the community, including youth groups, bridge, search and rescue, tap dancing, and others.

Who Are We Targeting?

While it is acknowledged that there is some crossover between the groups/participation, with members involved in more than one activity, even allowing for this, the provision of the facility will immediately benefit in excess of 30 individual groups totalling in excess of 1300 members, these being the groups and members that have already expressed a desire to see this proposal succeed and that would like to be included.

In addition to the above number there are others in our community who are not formally members of the identified groups who will benefit, eg youth activities, school holiday programmes. As well as increased participation rates across all groups due to having superior facilities.

Furthermore, we are not only wanting to encompass existing participants but actually increase participation rates across all activities, attract external use of the facilities by people from outside of Golden Bay.

Support

Hearteningly there has been interest and enthusiasm for this project from across the whole of Golden Bay. Groups include clubs with a long history in the Bay and some more recently formed. Happily this project will reach the full spectrum of interests and ages in our community.

The initial numbers (30 individual groups covering in excess of 1,300 people) are immediately in support of this proposed concept.

Why A Centralised/Amalgamated Facility?

Facilities currently available across Golden Bay are scattered on several sites. They are not dedicated facilities and, in particular, fail to provide adequate toilet, showers and changing rooms.

A number of groups do not have homes let alone facilities to cater for their demands. An excellent example of this is the Golden Bay Football Club with playing venues currently split between Golden Bay High School and the Golden Bay Recreation Park. Neither venue has a clubhouse, while no facilities are available at the Recreation Park for changing and showering, an issue when hosting visiting teams.

A central facility such as proposed will improve family life and prevent parents dashing from one place to another ferrying their children. They will be able to spend more time watching their offspring, maybe partaking in sport themselves and definitely improving social interaction. Parents will become better roles models to their children by either directly participating in their childrens activities or participating themselves.

Currently all nonsporting activities are also in scattered sites, again with variable suitability for purpose. This limits exposure of those groups to the broader social interaction of a community. By having a central facility all groups are exposed to new ideas. The more people participate in community social activities, the more a community bonds and strengthens. This contributes to its overall wellbeing and is to be strongly encouraged.

The provision of modern, up to date facilities would engender pride in the community when hosting tournaments and invitation events – be it sporting or otherwise. For sporting events in particular the absence of shower and changing facilities reflects days that are now gone.

A combined/shared facility will produce efficiencies and cost savings across the board, in effect rather than spreading the available resources thinly across the community, these valuable resources would be pooled in order to provide enhanced facilities for all.

Promoting Golden Bay

By including a suitable kitchen and social area able to seat 200 people, at a fresh and desirable location additional external benefits accrue. These include but are not limited to weddings and conferences, which in turn promote Golden Bay and the many activities it offers, thereby enhancing local tourism, employment and overall growth to the wellbeing of all residents.

Reasons For This To Succeed

Things very much on our side are:

• Available site with promise of room for expansion and the good will for this
• Enthusiastic and committed team involved in this project
• Leadership to get it up and running
• Enthusiastic response to the idea by the community - over 30 disparate groups have already expressed interest

Benefits to the community:

• Enhanced sporting facilities
• Enhanced community facilities
• A meeting place big enough for individual and community events
• Reaching all ages enhances mutual respect and understanding
• Increased opportunities for participation in new activities
• General improvement in mental and physical health
• Unquantifiable but economic benefit across the Bay as a consequence of visitors coming to events (tournaments, conferences etc) with overnight stays. Such participants often return to a previously unknown area on holiday.

Community spirit is understood but intangible – this facility will provide a focus for harnessing the good in a community which is beneficial for the health and wellbeing of all.

The Moutere Hills Recreation Centre is a similar facility to what is being proposed. It has been running for 5 years. Income from users of this facility has increased 6 fold over this time. There is a permanent member of staff running Moutere Hills. Golden Bay can emulate this.

We have an excellent existing site for this proposal, however with a few changes we can truly make it first class and for the entire community.

While the existing facilities at the Recreation Park have catered for their intended purpose over the past 50 or so years, the community has out-grown what is currently available and there is a real need to be forward-looking and take the bold next step to meet the combined needs of the community for the ensuing 50 plus years.

Where Are We At?

To date our Group has completed the following:-

1. Conducted 5 public meetings to gauge interest in the concept.
2. Concept fully supported by 30 user groups (sport, leisure & community)
3. Obtained ‘wish-lists’ from these user groups to determine what is actually desired and ascertain the level of crossover of facilities
4. Met with Sport Tasman to discuss general concept and how the likes of Moutere Hills and Murchison proceeded with their developments.
5. Met with Lloyd Kennedy (Tasman District Council) to discuss councils view of the concept and seek advice as to process to follow.
6. Meeting with Golden Bay Community Board 8 March 2011 to update them on the proposal

Next Steps

Dependent upon response from the Golden Bay Community Board, the following is proposed:-

1. Prioritise Group “Wish Lists”
2. Put a general concept plan out for public debate
3. Seek Council funding to assist with a feasibility study
4. Formalise our Group and together work jointly with a ‘consultant’ to complete the feasibility study.

It must be stressed that at all stages in the development of the concept and formalising of the project we welcome input from all sectors of the community. We have no pre-conceived plans and are solely motivated by the provision of a facility that will ultimately benefit the whole of the Golden Bay Community.

Groups who have expressed an interest:

Sporting

Aikido 25 members

Athletics 85 members

Basketball

Boxing

Cricket

Hockey 75 members

Mountain Bike 120 members

Netball 180 players

Rugby 140 members

Soccer 172 members

Squash 70 members

Swimming Club 110 members

Tennis 140 members

Women’s Football 20 members

Leisure

Aerobics

Aqua Aerobics

Bridge Club 43 members

Indoor Climbing Club 20-30 members

Conference Centre

Swimming Generally

Tap Dancing 100 members

Community

Arts Council

Community Workers (recreation, youth)

Search and Rescue 35 actual members but serves the whole community

Impact Youth Trust 25 involved and growing

Dean Lund               Jenny Pomeroy          Peter Blasdale

First Meeting of 2011-Taking the Next Step

Golden Bay Shared Facility

Notes of Meeting 21 February – 7pm Rugby Club

Present

Peter Blasdale, Dean Lund, Kevin Winter, Wouter de Maat, Graham Pomeroy, Jenny Pomeroy, Fleur Murray, Dave Myall, Ann Jones, Roger Tait, Nikita Buys, Carol Baker, Duncan MacKenzie, Mik Symmons, Jenny Cooper, Faye Turnbull, Pauline Arndt

Apologies

Wayne Packard, Dave Lewis, Graham Ball, Angela Berkett

Dean reported back on the meetings he had with Steve Mitchell (Chairman of Moutere Hills) and Dave Tippett (Sport Tasman) and Lloyd Kennedy (TDC)

Points from Steve Mitchell and Dave Tippett Meeting

• 2 clear stages to project, first to build and second to operate. Once the build is finished a new group will be set up to run the project, could be the same people
• A feasibility study needs to include feasibility of operations
• Feasibility study needs to be done externally so that it is impartial but much of the leg work could be done by the group
• Wish lists need to be prioritised using a number of factors including: combined spaces; how long a group has been operating; whether a group is affiliated to a national body; finances of group
• A constitution needs to be formalised
• Committee running project needs to be a mix across all user groups
• Draw up a skills matrix of the people involved and work out where outside help is needed

Points from Meeting with Lloyd Kennedy

• Group needs to take the lead – has to be community driven and have the support of the community
• Recommend that group presents to community board (arranged for 8 March)
• If the project makes sense there is separate money available for the feasibility study - a lot of work to be done to get this grant, but it is there
• Funding is available for 2012-2013, but can be pushed out. The amount set aside is inflation adjusted
• Keep whole community informed

Pool

Ann Jones reported on some information she has found on pools. Len Irving of Buller Recreation Centre is willing to come and talk to our group. Ann to send costing spread sheet through to Jenny P so that all information held in one place.

Carol Baker – Impact Youth Trust

Carol reported that at present the group are meeting at her home, but up to 25 young people and so need a dedicated space.

Land

Roger Tait has talked to A&P Assoc who are willing to lease their land to TDC. Has also spoken to Philip and Rose Windle who are also happy for TDC to purchase some of their land. Both blocks will “square off” the area and give room for more playing fields.

Community Board Presentation

Jenny P to write a vision statement and ideas for a presentation for the meeting on 8 March.

Final Additions to Wish List

Minutes of The Golden Bay Shared Facility Meeting held Tuesday 7 December 2010 at Takaka Rugby Club Rooms

Present

Peter Blasdale, Roger Tait, Kevin Winter, Ann Jones, Brian Alder, Dave Myall, Mik Symmons, Graham Pomeroy, Duncan McKenzie, Arlun Wells, Wayne Packard, Dean Lund, Fleur Murray, Faye Turnball, Dave Lewis, Tony Cunningham, Lori Godden, Ricky Ward, John Byrne, Jenny Pomeroy.

There were a couple of additions to the wish lists:

Brian Alder – Climbing Club (20-30 members)

Wish List Indoor Climbing Wall

Brian was involved in the building of the first indoor climbing wall in NZ in the late 1980s and has also been involved in several other projects.

He sees an indoor climbing wall as a huge asset in the complex being proposed: • Takes us relatively little space • Relatively low cost • Recreation activity for a wide range of people (fun outings for families, groups etc) • Most predicted use would be for 12-18 year olds

• Good winter activity (most indoor climbing is done in the winter) • Indoor climbing much easier to take up than outdoor – much lower level of

knowledge required, safer, much lower instructor to learner ratio

8m is an ideal height for an indoor climbing wall – the end wall of a basketball court sized room is ample. There needs to be some dedicated floor space (2m) as a good climbing wall will have overhanging features. This space will be able to be used when the climbing wall is not in use, but perhaps not for sports, because of overhanging features, but certainly for spectators.

When asked whether climbers who came to climb at Paynes Ford would use it during bad weather, he though they would, but it could be limited as the different levels from beginners through to experts is too vast. He sees it mainly for learning and fun rather than for experts – it would have much wider appeal and much greater use like this.

When asked about an outdoor wall, he said that it would be too weather dependant, and the main cost is in the structure that holds it up ie the wall of a building, so indoor is better. Itwas also mentioned that an outside wall could be a safety issue – keeping unsupervised people off.

Arlun Wells – Athletics (85 members)

At present the Athletics club practice at the High School from late October to March / April. Wish / Needs Permanently marked 400m track Long jump ideally with an astroturf run up

Shot put and discus concrete circle Storage Toilets Showers

Club Rooms

Georgie –AquaAerobicsandAerobics

AEROBICS/DANCE STUDIO

- Wooden sprung floor : can be carpeted in tough low pile hard wearing carpet, but needs especially to be non splintering for barefoot useage.

- Light and airy i.e plenty of windows for natural light - Well ventilated with opening windows and doors and fans - Some mirrors - Sound system and microphone - Small staging platform - Storage areas within studio for equipment for ready use during classes - Size - around 60- 80 m2 (need to check this out - rough guess) Usage : Between 12 and 25 people per class.

Currently 8 aerobics classes operating per week = avarage weekly attendance 120 people

NB Dance classes currently running in addition to aerobics include Tap, Zumba, Nia, Line Dancing and very occasional Ballet. With proper facility, options for further class variety

would be possible and would potentially cater for and introduce a much wider range of the community.

IN ADDITION:

- Meeting room for Green Prescription "Hub" - to accomodate 6 - 15 people, inc area for private consultation as well as social get togethers

- Toilets

- Hot showers

- On site childcare facility

- Wheelchair access

- Plenty of parking

- Refreshment bar serving only healthy options!

POOL REQUIREMENTS: for exercise classes (more than half participants currently green prescription patients)- up to 20 people

- chest high water area and deep water - easy descending steps with rail - rail around edge - close proximity changing area

- privacy from main pool or recreation area - music system at pool side - ventilation

Additions to other wish lists: Football – indoor training Netball – outdoor lighting for evening training. Subs to be kept low Other suggestions: Play area for kids Pool table, table tennis and darts

Other Points Raised During the Meeting

Lloyd Kennedy will come to meetings if they are on Monday nights.

Mik has had a recent meeting with The Canterbury Community Trust who said that their donations are down, as their investments are down.

Dave Myall (on the COGS Committee) pointed out that many of these types of ventures underestimate the running costs – he is supportive of the concept, but wants the group to be aware that the operating costs may be higher than anticipated.

Dave Lewis stressed that all groups are to be included.

Wayne said that the time will come that we need to focus on ourselves and what we want and not spend too much time on the groups that have not come forward – they are more than welcome and should be encouraged, but our energies should be put into moving the project forward.

Roger said that all people should be involved at present and sub committees should be formed as they are needed.

It is very important that the project is totally transparent. Ann commended Peter on achieving this to date. Brian said that there will be stages when public comment will come into play.

The project needs to focus on what it can be and not just the current numbers. Land

Duncan said the A&P Assoc would be reasonably happy for TDC to lease their land for extra playing fields.

Roger is to talk to Philip and Rose Windle to see if they were willing to sell / lease their land to “square off” the area and provide more playing fields.

Mik to get a large scale map of the land around the Rec Park – the Rec Park, A&P and Windles.

Community Board Support

Mik reported that the community board has been asked to be the lead agency to assist in exploring if any groups would like this money. His observations are that this group is the one with the momentum, but there are other groups talking (museum). It will be on everyone’s rates so it would be hard for the Community Board to make a recommendation to TDC if there are 80% of the GB population against it. The more groups that can use the facility the better.  It is to future proof recreation in Golden Bay.

Next Steps

Dean will talk to both Steve Mitchell (Moutere Hills) and Lloyd Kennedy (TDC) about the next stages. He may get a small group together in the New Year to discuss some of his findings which will then report to the main group in mid-February. In time Dean to ask Steve for floor plans and income streams of the other facilities around the district.

Peter will keep the profile of the project high. He will talk to Neil Wilson (GB Weekly) and as progress is made this will be reported through the GB Weekly. He will also keep the blog up to date.

Everyone is to keep talking about it and keep the idea out there. Everyone to email the group with ideas that come up and Jenny to summarise this once a month so that ideas are not lost.

Lori to do some research into pools and their building and operating costs. Dean to chair the group. Nominated by Jenny, seconded by Fleur. Group to meet again in mid-Febuary.

Golden Bay Proposed Shared Facility

Golden Bay Proposed Shared Facility

There have been several meetings about the Proposed Shared Facility. The idea is still in its initial stages, with many groups proposing big wish lists – there will be some reality checks once costing and feasibility has been established, but now is the time to think big and not let an opportunity pass.

The following groups have submitted wish lists:

Aikido – 25 members

Arts Council

Athletics – 85 members

Bridge Club – 43 members

Community workers

Hockey – 75 members

Mountain Bike – 120 members

Netball – 180 players

Rugby – 140 members

Search and Rescue – 35 members

Soccer – 172 members

Squash – 70 members

Swimming club – 110 members

Swimming generally

Tap Dancing – 100 members

Tennis – 140 members

Women’s Football – 20 members

Youth

There is of course some cross-over, some will be involved in more than one activity, but still, this already represents over 1300 people! There are many many more who will benefit hugely from such a facility.

The above groups have identified the need for the following facilities. There are no decisions here, just a summary of what has been talked about.

Outdoor

7 playing fields – 2 rugby, 2 hockey (1astroturf), 2 full sized soccer and 1 half sized. Four of the playing fields to be lit (2 rugby, 1 astro and 1 soccer). The rugby club would like a grandstand and soccer and hockey would like to have some field side shelter.

The soccer and rugby fields can be used for cricket and athletics in the summer and the A&P show.

3 netball courts and a warm up area and 4 tennis courts. The tennis courts already exist, but 2 to be resurfaced as part of this project.

Plenty of car parking – the quantity is yet to be established, but there needs to be enough for peak Saturday morning activity.

Swimming

Heated, indoor, non chlorinated.

Three pools: 1 toddlers (400mm deep); 1 thereaputic and 1 lap pool.

The lap pool to be 6 lanes, 15m x 25m x 1.5m with starting blocks and spectator stands.

Changing rooms, hot showers and toilets.

Indoor

Four main rooms: 1 sports hall; 2 squash courts; function / social room and a further hall.

The sports hall to be multi-lined with a sprung wooden floor for basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, gymnastics, boxing, martial arts, keep fit, table tennis, and indoor training for rugby, tennis and soccer. Spectator seating has been identified for the sports hall.

The two squash courts with a movable centre wall so that doubles can be played. The floor area could also be used for aerobics, martial arts, yoga, keep fit and zumba.

The function / social room able to divided into two, with seating for 200. It should be adjacent to the bar and will provide a venue for conferences, weddings, functions. The bridge club could play in half of the room, search and rescue could use it as a training room.

A further hall with a wooden floor for tap dancing. This room could also be used for yoga, martial arts, indoor bowls and indoor training.

In addition to the above rooms a fitness centre and a combined emergency services coordination centre have also been mentioned.

Ideally the Combined emergency services coordination centre, would have an operations room and radio room where computers, maps, radios, charts etc will be left permanently set up. The fire brigade and civil defence would use this facility particularly if the town were to be evacuated eg in a flood. Search and Rescue would carry out their training in any of the four main rooms, or outside.

The communal facilities that have been identified are: bar; commercial kitchen; meeting rooms; viewing area; office / administration room; foyer (great space to rent out for art displays); a sick bay (small room with a bed for suspected concussion etc) and a multitude of changing rooms, showers and toilets, some with outside access some inside. All groups have identified the need for storage and some have asked for areas in which to display memorabilia.

There has been much misinformation about the effect a new facility in Golden Bay would have on the rates. Lloyd Kennedy, from TDC, has confirmed the following:

At present every household in Tasman District pays a District Facilities rate of approximately $42 and a shared facilities rate of approximately $52.  These may increase each year to pay the interest and principal repayments on any new projects approved by Council.  Should the Golden Bay community wish to uplift all the money available to them and build a new or upgraded facility, there would be an increase to the District Facilities rate of about $15-$16 per household in the Tasman District.

In addition there is a Facilities Operating Rate of approximately $25 for the purpose of meeting the operating costs of the various community facilities within the District, which Golden Bay Households currently do not pay - on the basis that there is no facility here in Golden Bay. If Golden Bay does build a facility it is most likely that Golden Bay

households will attract this Facilities Operating Rate.

In short, if Golden Bay goes ahead with the plans to build a new or upgraded facility there will be an increase of about $41 to each household in their rates.  However, if they do not take up the opportunity, another area may and there will still be an increase in the Facilities Rate, even though we are not getting much, if any, use of the Facility. There is also no guarantee that Golden Bay Households will continue to be exempt from the Facilities Operating Rate as they are at present - facility or no facility.

The most important thing about this Facility is that it reaches as many of the Golden Bay population as possible – it is not a sports centre, it is for everyone, all groups need to speak up now.

Golden Bay Facility Blog

This is a Blog where all the information about the new Golden Bay Facility at the recreation park is to be published.
The next post will be a compilation of all the wish lists presented to a meeting held at the Rugby club rooms on Thursday the 11th of November.
Thanks for taking time to read the Blog.
Peter Blasdale.