All-weather sports turf Debate

Community Wellbeing - Safety and Security

Option 1

Residents supporting Option 1 express concerns about the safety risks associated with all-weather sports turf, highlighting that falls on artificial turf could result in more severe injuries compared to natural grass. They also emphasize the environmental and health concerns related to microplastics and the hard surface of artificial turfs. Additionally, there is a preference for improving existing facilities, such as enhancing lighting at current fields, which would benefit a broader range of users and improve safety and accessibility for the community.

Table of comments:

Point No	Comment
847.6	all weather turf might hurt if you fall on it compared to grass.
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.
1022.1	I don't support removing funding for existing facilities upgrades and maintenance. Upgrading and maintaining current facilities can benefit all clubs and users but an all weather facility will likely be disproportionately utilised by the nearest clubs and schools.The current lighting at tahunanui fields is inadequate for the number of teams trying to utilise them. Tahuna fields is desperately in need of better and more lighting. Floodlights on the field adjacent to the modellers track would help provide more training space. Currently 6 teams share a space smaller than one football pitch and the current lights dont illuminate the whole area.
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!!