All-weather sports turf Debate

Environmental Benefits - Sustainability

Option 2

Supporters of Option 2 argue that an all-weather sports turf would reduce damage to natural grass fields by providing a durable alternative for training and events, thus preserving the grass fields for longer periods. They also highlight that modern artificial turfs, designed to be more eco-friendly, can mitigate environmental impacts through reduced use of water, pesticides, and heavy maintenance machinery. Additionally, the consistent use of artificial turf can prevent the overuse and degradation of natural fields, leading to better maintenance and longevity of these facilities.

Table of comments:

Point No	Comment
695.5	An all weather sports turf would allow sporting codes to continue training and playing during periods of bad weather. This helps competitions avoid interruptions and maintains player interest and satisfaction. Damage to grass turfs could also be reduced.
1204.6	Central Nelson needs an all weather Turf that will re-invigorate local business through community events being held there & also provide a safer & sustainable surface than currently present.  Neale & Guppy parks are not well maintained & have not been the recipient of any upgrade of existing approach.  An artificial turf in Central Nelson would also alleviate the burden of having high amount of events on pitches that are not currently maintained well.
1414.3	The need for the development of a turf facility in Nelson City is very real.The current pitch conditions are not ideal.  Neale and Guppy Parks are built on reclaimed land that was previously a landfill.   This means the pitches are susceptible to subsidence, leaving the pitches with peaks and troughs in, which change and worsen over time.  The pitches have no watering system, so over dry periods, they dry out causing the grass to die and the pitches to become rock hard and dry & dusty.  Mowing and linemarking of the pitches rely on the appropriate weather to do so, which leaves the pitches in much less than ideal condition often depending on rain levels.Over the winter season, many games and a lot ot trainings and skills sessions have to be cancelled due to the condition of the pitches due to bad weather.  This affects the number of sessions players get and also means the fees the players pay provde them with less game time.  This is a major factor of dissatisfaction amongst players.a turf facility would not only provide a quality, consistent pitch for football and rugby, but would allow numerous games/trainings per day to be held on the same pitch without affecting the quality of the training or the condition of the pitch.  Current grass pitches can only handle 2, maybe 3 games per day, with some only being able to handle 1 due to the conditions of the pitches.  You could play 6 games per day on the turf pitch without it affecting the pitch condition.This would have a significant positive effect on the codes and their players.  It would also mean players could be at the same grounds to aupport other teams whilst waiting for their game, rarher than having to be spread around the city.turf pitches require much less maintenance - therefore the labour hours and cost would be reduced compared to grass pitches - eg, turf pitches do not require the same mowing, linemarking, maintenance, seeding, rolling etc as grass ones.A turf facility in the city centre area would allow the codes to develop tournaments and events that will draw people from within the area, the region and the country to the central city - to stay, spend, shop and visit the hospitality venues in the city centre, bringing much needed people and income into the city.The football and rugby codes and local iwi have developed a fantastic relationship, working collaboratively with each other, and would welcome the opportunity to do this with a turf facility in the city centre.The devlopment of a turf pitch is vital, and with this devlopment i believe strong consideration needs to take place in developing two pitches at the facility - the costs involved in developing two at the same time instead of one, and maybe another one at a later time would be much less and the benefits of having two pitches would be immense - it would allow much more use, more maintenance cost savings and would be a lot more beneficial for holding events and tournaments.  Nelson is currently falling behind every other city in New Zealand in terms of turf development.  A number of much smaller towns have these facilities. With advancements in the technology used in artificial turfs, the environmental impacts ate being mitigated, and in fact, the reduction of machinery use in maintaining the turf pitches is environmentally beneficial.  The council have already dedicated funds into the development of a turf facility, with the feasability study completed in 2020 which stated that the ideal placement of artificial turfs in the region is in the city centre.If a turf facility is approved, the maintenance of other pitches still needs to be adequate to maintain quality pitches that meet the health and safety requirements and the requirements of the sports code bodies.  Maintenance savings will be made already with the reduction of maintenance needed for turf instead of grass.A turf facility in Nelson City centre is a MUST
1487.1	Below is a submission to the Nelson City Council Long-Term Plan regarding the inclusion of artificial sports fields and lighting for northwest Nelson City. The submission is structured to present a clear, well-supported argument highlighting the benefits and necessity of these facilities. Submission to the Nelson City Council Long Term PlanDate:24/04/24Submitted by: FC Nelson Football Club Contact Information: 0277048226Executive SummaryFC Nelson Football Club (FCN) respectfully submits this proposal to advocate for a must-have, fit-for-purpose artificial sports fields and adequate lighting systems in northwest Nelson City (Guppy and Neale Park). The field will be for ALL footballers, competitive and social players. It will support the growth and development of football at all levels, putting our footballers on an equal footing with those from other regions we play with and against. It will provide a safe sports ground available 24/7, increasing participation in sport of more people in our community. It will increase the hours people can learn and play sport in the region, as it is not impacted by the rain like the current grass fields are. As a founding member of the Nelson Rugby Football Working Group, FCN are working closely with Nelson Football Rugby club, another cornerstone entity that provides a valuable service to our sports community. We are working together to provide the best environment for our combined sporting community, and both organisations support artificial turf at Guppy and Neale parks.  IntroductionAs a cornerstone of the community, FC Nelson, formed in 2011 by the amalgamation of the four Nelson City based clubs has been fostering the spirit of teamwork, resilience, and cultural diversity since its formation. We are the largest football club in Nelson City. We now celebrate nine senior teams including a women’s team, 21 Junior teams and over 100 playing fun and family football. Our commitment extends beyond football; we aim to build a healthier, more vibrant community through sports. The proposal for artificial sports fields and enhanced lighting facilities is driven by an urgent need for accessible, reliable, and safe sporting venues in northwest Nelson City.Current ChallengesCurrently, our community faces several challenges with the existing natural turf fields:1. Limited Playability: The natural grass fields are often unplayable during wet weather and require significant downtime for maintenance, which greatly limits their availability for practice and matches.2. Overuse: High demand for limited fields leads to overuse, causing further degradation and reducing their usability.3. Safety Concerns: Poor field conditions, especially during adverse weather, pose safety risks to players. Following rain, the fields are left with uneven surfaces increasing the risk of injuries. Benefits of Artificial Sports Fields and Lighting1. Year-Round Accessibility: Artificial fields can withstand extreme weather conditions and heavy usage, ensuring they are always playable for learning sport and competing in sport.2. Reduced Maintenance: These fields require less maintenance than natural grass, translating into lower long-term maintenance costs and more consistent playing conditions.3. Environmental Sustainability: Modern artificial fields are designed to be eco-friendly, conserving water and eliminating the need for pesticides or fertilizers. No carbon-emitting tractors or mowers or fertilisers required on an ongoing basis.4. Enhanced Safety: Improved surface consistency reduces injury risks, making sports safer for our youth and adult players. 5. Community Engagement: Increased field availability can host more community events, leagues, and tournaments, encouraging greater participation in sports and physical activities.6. Economic Development: Increased opportunities for South Island or national sporting tournaments that require turf. Proposed ImplementationWe propose the development of two high-quality artificial turf fields, complete with advanced lighting systems, in northwest Nelson City. This strategic location will serve football and rugby club members and also the surrounding communities, enhancing access for all residents. We take guidance and reference from the Nelson City Council Artificial Turf Feasibility Study RSL May 2020. The location at Guppy and Neale parks is strategically positioned to leverage the Council’s existing investment in improved lighting, the club hub and the existing facilities, and will help facilitate future sporting-community-driven investment in Guppy and Neale parks. Financial ConsiderationsWe note the proposal in the LTP to reduce field maintenance of other fields that aren’t artificially turfed. We would caution against this approach, due to the extensive game and training cancellations and player injuries that are experienced due to poor quality fields currently.  We acknowledge the substantial investment required for this project and propose exploring a combination of funding avenues:• Council Funding: Allocation from the LTP.• Grants and Sponsorships: Leveraging support from local businesses and sports organizations.• Community Fundraising: Engaging the local community through fundraising initiatives.     We are confident the share of the cost from the sporting codes can be successfully raised. ConclusionThe investment in artificial sports fields and lighting in northwest Nelson City represents a pivotal advancement in community and sports development. By addressing the current limitations, we can significantly enhance the quality of life and health of our residents, ensure the longevity of local sports, and foster a thriving community spirit.We thank the Nelson City Council for including artificial turf as a project in the LTP and thank you for considering this submission. We look forward to contributing towards a dynamic and inclusive future for Nelson City.Sincerely,Philip ThompsonPresident FC Nelson