All-weather sports turf Debate

Community Wellbeing - Lifestyle & Enjoyment

Option 1

Residents supporting Option 1 emphasize the importance of improving existing grass fields rather than constructing a new all-weather turf, citing better accessibility and benefits for a wider range of community sports clubs. Concerns about the environmental impact and the high maintenance costs of synthetic turfs were highlighted, alongside a preference for natural playing conditions that align with traditional sports values. Additionally, enhancing lighting and drainage at current facilities is seen as a more equitable solution that supports community well-being by allowing more flexible and extensive use of sports fields for both training and recreational activities.

Table of comments:

Point No	Comment
8.1	Tahuna Football Club recognises the need for improved sports facilities in the Nelson region. However, we do not believe the proposal for a new all-weather sports turf would significantly benefit our club based on the potential locations outlined in Nelson City Council's 2021 Sports Field Capacity review. That review indicated an all-weather turf at Neale Park would primarily serve FC Nelson and rugby clubs, while one at Saxton Field would mainly be utilized by Nelson Suburbs. As a club based at Tahunanui Reserve, neither of those locations would be conveniently accessible for Tahuna's 6 senior teams. Instead, we support the review's recommendation of Option 1 - Improving lighting and quality of existing grass fields. Specifically for Tahuna, the suggested actions of installing new lighting along both sides of the fields near the modellers pond, and replacing poles with taller ones on the main reserve, would serve our community's needs extremely well. These improvements would resolve long-standing issues around ground usage and prioritisation that Tahuna currently faces in sharing limited facilities with Marist Rugby Club.While all-weather turfs offer theoretical benefits, the 2021 review acknowledges they would inevitably become focused on serving the needs of co-located clubs like FC Nelson and the city's secondary schools. As a more outward community club, Tahuna does not anticipate tangible long-term gains from such a facility that would justify the significant capital and operating costs, especially if it came at the expense of reduced maintenance budgets for existing grass fields.We encourage council to prioritise improving lighting, drainage and general turf quality across the region's current facilities in its Long Term Plan. This would provide more equitable benefits for all clubs like Tahuna while avoiding the potential situation where a small number of clubs become the primary users of a specialized all-weather facility.Thank you for considering our submission. We welcome any further dialogue on these crucial issues for the future of community sport in Nelson.
81.6	what is happening with the Saxton cricket grounds? We have had 2 international games in the past 5 years!! We do not receive local super smash games and yet we pay rates for upkeep of this facility that we cannot enjoy. We meed more cricket to justify keeping the ground.
110.6	I believe this to be an excessive use of rate payer funds. It benefits only a small portion of Nelson rate payers, which is predominantly male oriented sports being men's soccer and rugby training. I would like to know the statistics of days or games lost due to bad weather, as I think with Nelson's typical mild winters this would be minimal compared to all winter sports. I don't believe this is a good use of rates money as it benefits so few and I don't think it will bring in anymore spending into the city and youth won't benefit as the claim is being made, as youth can already use the current fields which are still fit for purpose. I would much rather see funding for a surf lifesaving facility that benefits the whole community and is inclusive of all genders and ages, not channelled into just one male dominated sport.
150.2	The Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc. is one of seven Clubs (4 rugby and 3 football) clubs that utilise the existing green field spaces throughout the NCC catchment. Our Club supports the current NCC approach to provide funding to upgrade the fields over time and additional ongoing maintenance costs, as capacity and use increases (Option 1).We oppose Option 2 on the basis that only one synthetic pitch will be provided, which will be:a) located in a specific area to the detriment of those beyond that area (the media has highlighted Neale Park in the city as a likely location, beyond the reach of clubs in outlying suburbs e.g. Tahunanui, Stoke)b) and funding of $500,000 will also be offset by reallocating budget from the sports field improvements upgrade programme. This would mean that the majority of other grass fields that serve the majority of cubs and teams will be negatively impacted.In Marist's case, Tahunanui Fields cannot be subjected to less maintenance and upkeep than it currently receives from Council (when in fact it requires upgrading, especially with regard to lighting).
151.6	As a member of Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc. I support their detailed submission made. We oppose Option 2 on the basis that only one synthetic pitch will be provided, which will be:a) located in a specific area to the detriment of those beyond that area (the media has highlighted Neale Park in the city as a likely location, beyond the reach of clubs in outlying suburbs e.g. Tahunanui, Stoke)b) and a reduction of funding of $500,000 by reallocating budget from the sports field improvements upgrade programme will mean that the majority of other grass fields that serve the majority of cubs and teams will be negatively impacted.
319.6	As a member of Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc., I fully support their thorough submission. Our club stands in opposition to Option 2 due to the following concerns: a) Option 2 suggests the installation of only one synthetic pitch, favoring a specific location to the detriment of clubs situated beyond its vicinity, notably those in outlying suburbs such as Tahunanui and Stoke. The proposed site at Neale Park in the city, as highlighted in the media, exacerbates this disparity. This limited access to synthetic facilities undermines the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across the community. b) Furthermore, reallocating $500,000 from the sports field improvement upgrade program would have adverse repercussions on the majority of grass fields. These fields serve as vital venues for numerous clubs and teams, and any reduction in funding would compromise their functionality and quality, impacting the broader sporting community. The cumulative effect would hinder the development and participation of athletes at all levels, hindering the overall growth and enjoyment of sports in our region. c) Tahunanui is in desperate need of lights to alleviate stress on a specific part of the field during training sessions, thereby expanding the training fields for football and rugby during nighttime sessions. Additionally, it would enable clubs to host night games, reducing pressure on Trafalgar Park and offering flexibility in playing times, even for younger players. However, with funds reallocated for only one field, the installation of lights at Tahunanui remains a distant aspiration.
319.6	As a member of Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) Inc., I fully support their thorough submission. Our club stands in opposition to Option 2 due to the following concerns: a) Option 2 suggests the installation of only one synthetic pitch, favoring a specific location to the detriment of clubs situated beyond its vicinity, notably those in outlying suburbs such as Tahunanui and Stoke. The proposed site at Neale Park in the city, as highlighted in the media, exacerbates this disparity. This limited access to synthetic facilities undermines the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities across the community. b) Furthermore, reallocating $500,000 from the sports field improvement upgrade program would have adverse repercussions on the majority of grass fields. These fields serve as vital venues for numerous clubs and teams, and any reduction in funding would compromise their functionality and quality, impacting the broader sporting community. The cumulative effect would hinder the development and participation of athletes at all levels, hindering the overall growth and enjoyment of sports in our region. c) Tahunanui is in desperate need of lights to alleviate stress on a specific part of the field during training sessions, thereby expanding the training fields for football and rugby during nighttime sessions. Additionally, it would enable clubs to host night games, reducing pressure on Trafalgar Park and offering flexibility in playing times, even for younger players. However, with funds reallocated for only one field, the installation of lights at Tahunanui remains a distant aspiration.
330.6	Sounds a bit extravagant and environmentally hazardous and the players should just get used to getting a bit muddy when they need to in the rain like we used to do when I was a kid! We shouldn't be taking nature away from people.
353.6	As Rugby isnt played on all weather turf, that just leaves Soccer.  Given the popularity of swimming and aquatic sports (3x as many people report swimming than played soccer in 2022 (sport NZ) priority should be given to the Riverside pool than building a all weather turf.  Especially already it appears NCC subsidises male dominated sports (Golf, Cricket, Rugby, Soccer) more than those females participate in.
728.6	Only one all weather turf field is not enough and would probably only be used for the top sports teams.  In my view all sports fields should be upgraded for the benefit of sport from grass roots to elite sports.
785.6	Turf is plastic. Plastic is one of the most polluting and terrible things for the environment as it takes 500 years to decompose. In addition, the weather, wear and tear, and general build of plastic releases microplastic which are even more dangerous to humans, animals, and the land. With the turf being so close to the water, this would directly pour those microscopic particles closer to the ocean to be eaten by fish which then would be eaten by us. In addition, plastic is a hormone disruptor and can greatly impact human health. Sliding, falling, and being around this will only be worse for all of us. Also, it doesn't look pretty. Please don't choose turf and fight for the environment and the local community.
786.6	For over 100 years rugby etc has been played outdoors on the grass. Why change this now? we do not need all weather turf and we do need all the sports grounds as they are used for recreation not just organised games.
894.6	cheaper for everyone and still support the improved drainage work and lighting for sports fields a good middle ground i reckon. Also they can always play futsal or indoor touch or rippa. The short lifespan and massive amount of microplastics from all weather turf are more reasons to not spend council money on that. Turf hurts a lot more than mud to fall on also, really it’s all a bit of fun and connection to papatuanuku and with improved drainage systems fields shouldn’t be too bad too often anyway. And if they are it’s not a subdivision so theres no big cost to fix so its all good really.
902.1	The all weather turf would only benefit the top clubs in Nelson, those smaller clubs who require the support of the council to keep grounds maintained would suffer and ultimately lose members due to poor conditions. At the moment these smaller clubs already suffer with minimum field availability for trainings, I think the money would be better spent on more lights, to play midweek games to catch up on games missed due to weather, and for more training areas.
912.2	I do not believe a new all-weather sports turf would significantly benefit any other club or entity, other than those already on site, based on the proposed locations (Neale Park or Saxton Field)I support improving lighting and quality of existing grass fields instead (Option 1 from 2021 review)Specific suggestions:Install new lighting along both sides of Tahunanui fields near modelers pondReplace poles with taller ones on main reserveConcerns that an all-weather turf would inevitably become focused on serving needs of co-located clubs like FC Nelson, Suburbs and schoolsAn all-weather turf may come at the expense of reduced maintenance for existing grass fields---‐---------Upgrading Tahunanui Reserve Facilities:Tahuna FC strongly supports upgrading facilities at Tahunanui ReserveCurrent amenities like changing rooms are extremely substandard - old, rundown, and leakingWith 6 senior teams and plans for a youth program, the club requires better facilitiesOpportunity to transform the reserve into an integrated community hub for summer and winter sport codesRequest for Tahuna FC to be included in any consultation on new shared facilities impacting operationsPropose exploring housing Tahuna FC in any new multi-code facility for surf lifesaving and summer sportsCould create operational efficiencies and reduce maintenance costsProvide a vibrant, sustainable community hub for year-round sport and recreationFacilities should match the world-class status of Tahunanui Beach environment
921.6	all weatger turf is good for Nelson ONLY if it can remain the maintenance cost for the other existing grass turfs. You cannot cater all the sports with the artificial turf. Most people will still play on the existing turf which obviously needs maintenance at all time.
923.6	Turf is terrible! Adding more plastic into the environment. Once someone skids while sliding playing rugby, that small piece will turn into microplastic. Once it rains, that piece will get moved through the storm drains and then be washed out to the ocean creating more pollution and harm. Everyone will survive with natural grass and they will be better for it in the future.
1009.6	Just an absolute no on the astroturf. Please don't do this.
1068.6	All-Weather Sports Turf: Tahuna FC does not believe a new all-weather sports turf would significantly benefit the club based on the proposed locations (Neale Park or Saxton Field) The club supports improving lighting and quality of existing grass fields instead (Option 1 from 2021 review) Specific suggestions for Tahuna: Install new lighting along both sides of fields near modelers pond Replace poles with taller ones on main reserve Concerns that an all-weather turf would inevitably become focused on serving needs of co-located clubs like FC Nelson, Suburbs and schools An all-weather turf may come at the expense of reduced maintenance for existing grass fields ---‐--------- Upgrading Tahunanui Reserve Facilities: Tahuna FC strongly supports upgrading facilities at Tahunanui Reserve Current amenities like changing rooms are extremely substandard - old, rundown, and leaking With 6 senior teams and plans for a youth program, the club requires better facilities Opportunity to transform the reserve into an integrated community hub for summer and winter sport codes Request for Tahuna FC to be included in any consultation on new shared facilities impacting operations Propose exploring housing Tahuna FC in any new multi-code facility for surf lifesaving and summer sports Could create operational efficiencies and reduce maintenance costs Provide a vibrant, sustainable community hub for year-round sport and recreation Facilities should match the world-class status of Tahunanui Beach environment I am a member of Tahuna Football Club and I fully endorse the collective views of my team which are summarised above. Thanks
1068.6	All-Weather Sports Turf: Tahuna FC does not believe a new all-weather sports turf would significantly benefit the club based on the proposed locations (Neale Park or Saxton Field) The club supports improving lighting and quality of existing grass fields instead (Option 1 from 2021 review) Specific suggestions for Tahuna: Install new lighting along both sides of fields near modelers pond Replace poles with taller ones on main reserve Concerns that an all-weather turf would inevitably become focused on serving needs of co-located clubs like FC Nelson, Suburbs and schools An all-weather turf may come at the expense of reduced maintenance for existing grass fields ---‐--------- Upgrading Tahunanui Reserve Facilities: Tahuna FC strongly supports upgrading facilities at Tahunanui Reserve Current amenities like changing rooms are extremely substandard - old, rundown, and leaking With 6 senior teams and plans for a youth program, the club requires better facilities Opportunity to transform the reserve into an integrated community hub for summer and winter sport codes Request for Tahuna FC to be included in any consultation on new shared facilities impacting operations Propose exploring housing Tahuna FC in any new multi-code facility for surf lifesaving and summer sports Could create operational efficiencies and reduce maintenance costs Provide a vibrant, sustainable community hub for year-round sport and recreation Facilities should match the world-class status of Tahunanui Beach environment I am a member of Tahuna Football Club and I fully endorse the collective views of my team which are summarised above. Thanks
1068.6	All-Weather Sports Turf: Tahuna FC does not believe a new all-weather sports turf would significantly benefit the club based on the proposed locations (Neale Park or Saxton Field) The club supports improving lighting and quality of existing grass fields instead (Option 1 from 2021 review) Specific suggestions for Tahuna: Install new lighting along both sides of fields near modelers pond Replace poles with taller ones on main reserve Concerns that an all-weather turf would inevitably become focused on serving needs of co-located clubs like FC Nelson, Suburbs and schools An all-weather turf may come at the expense of reduced maintenance for existing grass fields ---‐--------- Upgrading Tahunanui Reserve Facilities: Tahuna FC strongly supports upgrading facilities at Tahunanui Reserve Current amenities like changing rooms are extremely substandard - old, rundown, and leaking With 6 senior teams and plans for a youth program, the club requires better facilities Opportunity to transform the reserve into an integrated community hub for summer and winter sport codes Request for Tahuna FC to be included in any consultation on new shared facilities impacting operations Propose exploring housing Tahuna FC in any new multi-code facility for surf lifesaving and summer sports Could create operational efficiencies and reduce maintenance costs Provide a vibrant, sustainable community hub for year-round sport and recreation Facilities should match the world-class status of Tahunanui Beach environment I am a member of Tahuna Football Club and I fully endorse the collective views of my team which are summarised above. Thanks
1124.6	Where regional / international constraints require the use of man made surfaced sports fields then having sufficient facilities to cover regional participants is a reasonable use Council funds. However, extending this out to all playing fields is IMHO not ideal as grass facilities are readily accessible for other recreational purposes by the public e.g. Walk dog / picnics etc.
1208.6	Sports are sport. Part and parcel are the challenges of variable weather and pitch conditions. Investment in artificial grounds decreases the ‘sporting’ in sports and introduces depreciating assets that will only require more money to upgrade, replace, or remove in the future with a likely long period of degraded services before their demise.
1225.6	I give support to Option 1My comments include- if Council is not prepared to increase residential rates appropriately, it cannot afford such an asset: it would be a “nice to have” project: rather than “essential”- do Councillors genuinely believe that the project would be “ canned” if the sports codes raised (other than from Council) only 40 - 45% of the capital costs.- My cynicism is such that I firmly believe that a future Council would succumb to pleas of “poverty” (or “inequality” in comparison to arts funding) concerning the suggested maintenance costs of $36k – much less to annually fund depreciation in “cold hard cash”. I may well be wrong (and I acknowledge a reference to “same basis as similar facilities”), but I am not aware of any sporting entity that is asked to fund depreciation annually in cash- My grand-children will not be happy at having to play their sport on sub-standard grounds when the money for upkeep of the usual sports grounds is curtailed, and they are not allowed on the sacred new turf
1429.1	we need more flood lighting around all training parks to benefit more people. The all weather pitch will be to hard to give everyone equal rights. Rugby will want it all for themselves. A focus on upgrading the existing areas will be better for the people and the environment. More lights in the playing fields make them safer not only for those playing but also the general public. It is so cool going down to Tahuna and seeing Football and rugby teams, men and woman training on the week nights. BUT they are all fighting for lit up space. Let’s expand the lights out and bring more to Tahuna playing fields!!
1441.5	I think it will only benefit the local club, and not the nelson community. Having more lights so night games can be played would ease the congestion of games on a Saturday/Sunday.