Summary: All-weather sports turf
Short Summary: All-weather Sports Turf
Issue Overview:
- Nelson City Council is considering the installation of an all-weather sports turf to enhance sports facilities and accommodate the needs of football and rugby sporting codes. This proposal aims to provide a consistent playing surface that can be utilized in various weather conditions, potentially making Nelson a more attractive venue for sports tournaments.
Options:
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Option 1: Continue enhancing existing sports fields by improving lighting, drainage, and turf quality. This approach focuses on upgrading multiple existing facilities to increase their usability and accessibility.
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Option 2: Construct an all-weather sports turf, which would offer a reliable and consistent playing surface year-round. This option involves a significant financial investment and would require sports codes to fund 50% of the construction costs.
Public Opinion:
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Option 1: Many residents support retaining and enhancing existing facilities, emphasizing the benefits of more equitable access across the community and reducing environmental impacts associated with artificial turfs, such as microplastic pollution and increased carbon emissions. Financial concerns are also prominent, with suggestions that funds could be more effectively distributed across existing facilities to benefit a broader segment of the community.
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Option 2: There is also considerable support for the construction of an all-weather turf, with proponents highlighting potential benefits such as enhancing Nelson's appeal as a sports hub, improving community cohesion, and supporting diverse groups. Economic benefits from increased tourism and local business opportunities are noted. However, concerns about the environmental impact and the high initial costs are significant.
Recommendation:
Given the mixed feedback, a balanced approach may be advisable. While the all-weather turf could enhance Nelson's sports infrastructure and economic appeal, significant concerns about environmental impacts and cost suggest a cautious approach. It is recommended that the Council further investigates sustainable options for the all-weather turf that address environmental concerns, possibly exploring advanced eco-friendly materials and technologies. Additionally, enhancing existing facilities should continue to ensure broad community benefits and equitable access. Engaging in further community consultations to address concerns and gather more input could also be beneficial before making a final decision. This dual approach ensures that immediate improvements are made while still planning for future developments that align with community needs and environmental sustainability.
Issue Description
From Consultation Document
Nelson has an opportunity to install an all-weather sports turf in one of its reserves. Background Over recent years, we have received feedback from football and rugby sporting codes expressing concern about the availability of quality playing fields to train on. So, in May 2020, Council prepared a feasibility study on the development of an artificial turf. Council considered constructing the artificial turf through the last Long Term Plan in 2021, but decided not to proceed with it at that time. Instead, Council decided on a programme of work to upgrade the existing sports fields as the best approach to improving capacity. Our proposed approach We are now proposing to build an all-weather sports turf in 2025/26 and 2026/27 to support our football and rugby sporting codes. An all-weather sports turf would provide an alternative playing and training field for sports codes in wet conditions and help minimise disruption to playing seasons. It is likely to make Nelson a more attractive venue for sports tournaments. Constructing an all-weather sports turf has an early estimated cost of $2.7 million (this figure is subject to change through further scoping, site selection and design work). The project would only proceed on the basis that sports codes fund 50% of the total construction costs (including the turf and lighting), commit to ongoing fees for use of the turf that would recover 10% of ongoing maintenance costs (estimated at about $36,000 per year) and cover the depreciation costs on the same basis as other similar facilities. The codes would need to come up with their share of the construction funding prior to the project proceeding. As this project provides additional capacity, Council will cover some of its share of the costs by rephasing and reallocating some existing capital budget earmarked for sports field improvements such as lighting and drainage.
Options
| Title | Option |
|---|---|
| Retain our current approach | In the previous term of Council, it was decided to undertake an improvement programme on existing sports fields. This programme involved improving drainage and flood lighting at existing fields to enable increased use in wetter conditions and in evenings. This option would require funding to upgrade the fields over time and additional ongoing maintenance costs, as capacity and use increases. It would also require the use of some fields currently reserved for competition to be available for training purposes. Cost: $1.9 million across the 10 years of the Long Term Plan. Impact on rates: Total of $971,000 across the 10 years of the Long Term Plan. Impact on debt: Total of $1.9 million raised in years one, two, five and eight of the Long Term Plan. |
| Construct an all-weather turf and reduce the current upgrade programme (Council’s proposal) | Our proposal is to construct an all-weather turf at an existing sports field (location still to be decided). The main advantage of an all-weather turf is that it can be played on regardless of weather conditions and it provides a consistent playing surface. These advantages are likely to improve users’ satisfaction, which Council measures as a level of service for its parks. The sports turf requires a new financial outlay – however, it provides the largest amount of capacity for any one upgraded sports field. We would still need to undertake improvements to the other existing fields in the future to further improve capacity and meet future demand. This option’s disadvantages include a higher whole of life cost per hour of play, higher carbon emissions, more micro plastics and more waste than option 1. The turf generally only lasts for about 12 years and then needs replacing (although use of old turf for other purposes could be investigated). Cost: $2.7 million capital expenditure spread across 2025/26 and 2026/27 (offset by 50% contribution from sports codes). $500,000 will also be offset by reallocating budget from the sports field improvements upgrade programme. Impact on rates: Total of $1.9 million for all-weather turf and $789,000 for revised sports field improvements upgrade programme across the 10 years of the Long Term Plan. Impact on debt: $1.4 million debt for all-weather turf raised in years two and three of the Long Term Plan and $1.4 million debt for revised sports field improvements upgrade programme raised in years one, two, five and eight of the Long Term Plan. |
Comments
| Comment | Point ID |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.1 |
| This option will help revitalise the city (another attraction for families and youth) and provide a long-term asset for the Cities sporting codes. | 12.6 |
| Only the "elite teams" will likely get access to an all weather turf. So not many in our community will actually benefit. Option 1 is likely to benefit more people. Also the cost of the all weather turf could get better bang for buck elsewhere. EG a lot more people use the Nelson Centre for Musical Arts then I suspect will ever use an all weather turf and they are crying out for support. | 40.6 |
| This would be such a great asset to the sporting community and encourage visiting teams. | 45.6 |
| Too expensive for current circumstances. We have a lot of large and good sports amenities for quite a small city; let's make do with them for the time being.In addition, what kind of turf is being imagined here? On the surface, I oppose microplastic-generating and other heavy-polluting turf. Traditional grass turf already poses significant problems with soil conservation, pollution and water management as it is, and that warrants a close look at management practices. But maybe a full lifecycle analysis will show that my instincts are wrong here. Please, show us the lifecycle analysis so that we can make better submissions. | 56.6 |
| An all weather surface is a minimum standard expected of a well run city ,allowing much more access to some of the most accessible and inclusive sports (football, rugby) particularly for our migrant communities as they look to integrate. | 57.6 |
| There are must haves and then there are it would be nice to have...at a time when rates increases are impacting residents, this is a nice to have | 75.6 |
| https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350163371/all-weather-turf-aims-boost-nelsons-community-sportThis article is quite hard to believe."FC Nelson’s Phil Thompson, Ngāti Rārua’s Shane Graham, and Rugby Nelson’s Kent Inglis say that an artificial turf at Guppy Park would benefit the entire community. Photo: Max Frethey/Nelson Weekly."This will not benefit our community nor the environment. Missing a few play dates due to sports field grass needing to be repaired is nothing compared to the pollution and damage of adding all this plastic into our environment.Nowhere in this article is there any mention about the downside of using plastic turf to cover a sports field. Why is this considered a good idea?Microplastics, marine litter, riverine litter. Do we really need to add this mess to our environment? How is this a productive solution in the bigger picture? | 76.3 |
| All weather turf is an expensive option which will benefit a few and is expensive to install | 77.6 |
| 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. | 81.6 |
| I don't know where the proposed all weather turf is being built. Will this bring more money into the region? | 87.6 |
| 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. | 110.6 |
| Saxton Field seems the most logical place for this venue due to it's central location | 133.6 |
| do this as fast as possiable | 137.6 |
| we need this, last winter there was so much rain and neale park was boggy and unusable that we couldnt train for football | 140.6 |
| i would like to speak on this | 141.6 |
| All-weather turf is plastic. It will eventually break down and further contaminate the ground. | 142.5 |
| this will be a massive pull for the region. The current state of sports turfs are poor and vulnerable during winter months. One just has to look at the old Nelson College front field and how much more use it has had now the upgrade is complete | 147.6 |
| 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). | 150.2 |
| 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. | 151.6 |
| Spend NO money on parks, etc. Leave grass. | 155.6 |
| It seems that there is relatively low benefit for the cost given that we generally have few times when the fields are too wet. I am concerned about affordability for the users. There are environmental effects: plastic discharge from Astroturf (or equivalent), removal of grassed area that is a good feeding ground for oystercatchers and other birds, higher carbon emissions and the increased area in impervious surface leads to reduced summer stream flow. | 162.6 |
| Depends on where the all-weather turf will be. It would be a shame if it moved out to Saxton, as everything seems to be moving out that way towards Richmond. Would be great to have more stuff in Nelson. It is great that Neale Park is in Nelson. | 164.6 |
| Option One is ongoing heomeraging of Council funds at the behest of the weather whenever. “Option Two” sees a do-it-once-do-it-right regime in place. Yes. Itll be expensive at the start, but, like Nelsons Water Treatment Station, will pay growing dividends through savings year after year. | 168.5 |
| This is positive for the community and sporting development for our young people. There are lots of grants available that could help to fund this. | 181.3 |
| As someone who lived in Wellington most of my life i was heavily involved in playing touch rugby in summer and rugby in winter about the time that these artificial turfs started popping up everywhere in Wellington. They are amazing to play/train on and once you install one people will be lining up to use it and sports will be willing to pay rental fees. This will lead to more and more of them being created. The Tahunanui field would be an ideal location! | 185.6 |
| As a side note, we should not be opting for artificial grass anywhere going forward as this has been proven to shed enormous amounts of plastic particles over time. These particles will then make their way into our natural environment and create huge issues. | 195.6 |
| cut funding to upgrade sport fields, maintenance only | 200.4 |
| based at the biggest club grounds | 210.2 |
| An all weather turf in Nelson should have happened a long time ago. This will be in demand so please ensure there are adequate all weather fields available and flood lighting. We need to get with the times and make this happen. Thanks for making this Counsels proposal! | 212.6 |
| The obvious choice must be Saxton field, local club has 900 members, with the addition of an astroturf it would be a world class facility | 213.2 |
| the turf should be at suburbs | 214.5 |
| with the disruption of sports due to weather this would be such an added addition to area, as would encourage more competition as well as teams to be competitive when representing the region | 215.1 |
| this needs to happen asap! | 217.6 |
| This is long overdue for Nelson and needs to be a priority. | 237.3 |
| nelson needs all weather surface fields! Use saxton fields to develop. | 240.5 |
| Construct at Neale Park or Guppy Park. | 266.6 |
| in my opinion having the all weather turf at Saxton would be the most cost efficient given that there are already flood lights installed which will cut down on cost. Also with with existing public toilets and the hockey turf makes for a great economical boost for Nelson, by allowing us and giving our young community great opportunities to host sport tournament all year round. | 274.6 |
| Concerned about the environmental impact of an artificial turf, particularly regarding the runoff of microplastics into stormwater and waterways. | 281.6 |
| No opinion | 297.6 |
| sports have adequate support from both central and local government,and sponsorships.More funding could go to arts and music,both of which are big earners for Nelson and district.For example the Chamber music festival brings in much outside and international money,the ectensive teaching programmes can be as invaluable to youth as sport. | 298.6 |
| 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 |
| 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. | 330.6 |
| 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. | 353.6 |
| Thisis a no brainer given the registered players outnumber all other sports. No need to reduced other upgrades. | 354.6 |
| Desperately need this! And will bring the community together. | 378.2 |
| As a province we are so behind other provinces and linked with our geographical location are kids are discriminated against. We are in desperate need of an all weather facility. It needs to be at Guppy Park and Guppy Park needs to change so that it is shared better between the codes. Trafalgar Park is not an option because the usage would be dominated by rugby. Having it at Guppy would bring some more much needed support to businesses on the main street through every day traffic and also the income that comes with hosting other teams. | 405.6 |
| This is an obvious area for cost cutting - suspend upgrades on all sports facilities for the next 3 years. | 441.6 |
| have the users fundraise to pay for upgrades, so user pays. Not those who have not intention to use them | 450.6 |
| I believe Option 2 is the way to go from an overall cost of ownership point of view. However its not high on my list of things to do. | 472.6 |
| much needed for Nelson | 490.6 |
| while I understand the need for better wet weather sporting facilities in Nelson, I strongly oppose the use of all-weather turf because the negative environmental impact. It is not essential expenditure. | 500.6 |
| again I dont know enough to comment | 504.6 |
| All dependent on the location. We are sadly lacking in Nelson, and North Nelson | 551.5 |
| unfamiliar with details. So don't know | 556.6 |
| I'd be concerned if existing sports fields suffered deterioration as a result of a focussed financial commitment on one facility | 569.6 |
| We recommend allocating a segment of the parks and recreation budget to support various community clubs and organizations, particularly those not currently receiving assistance from the Nelson City Council. | 604.6 |
| I dont see any issue with these areas | 610.6 |
| Council needs to be fair and reasonble when setting ongoing fees for the use of the turf, most sports clubs do not have great financial resources and the end users are largely made up of rate payers (and their family mebers) who have helped pay for the new sports turf in the first place through their rates. | 612.4 |
| Issue is Drainage , get it done and layered correctly.No more flooded fields | 629.6 |
| One as cheaper and less environmental impact. | 659.6 |
| This Facility as hugely over due for Nelson. Football in Nelson supports so many young children, youth and adults into choosing healthy lifestyles and choices. This should be the case all year round with a much needed all whether turf. The benefits out way the negatives 100% Let's make this happen!! | 668.2 |
| there is a need for an all-weather turf. it should be able to be accessed by many different clubs, teams, ages, genders and levels of play and not saved for upper-level grades and teams. the booking of the turf should be fair and equal and not based on only one club. there is a need for some level of upgrade of water drainage across many of the fields at neale park. There is currently ALOT of work being done on one field but no work on the others. it should be functional enough to tolerate a moderate amount of rain in a week to allow play on the weekends. Perhaps a closeure or 2 in the entire season should be tolerated but drainage improved so that it is not more often than that. | 673.5 |
| Making it easier to hold more regional tournaments for all age groups. | 677.4 |
| Saxton is such an amazing complex. Investing in an all weather turf would be fantastic for our community. I think this is only the start though and it shouldn't be at the detriment to the other pitches. Tamariki need good pitches to train on. I'd rather see cuts in other areas to support this proposal as it is used my a high number of our community. | 682.6 |
| 1 all weather turf is not going to be enough and using anything plastic or artificial really isn't good for the environment. Unfortunately, after watching the budget blows for the Greenmeadows Centre (and other projects) I don't trust the Council to be able to build an All-weather turf on a proposed budget, and so I think it is best to keep with the current fields and maintain as normal when needed. | 694.5 |
| 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. | 695.5 |
| My preference would be to see an all weather turf, AND continue the current upgrade program for the remaining pitches. If this isn't possible due to financial constraints then I don't think an all weather turf should be constructed. One turf for both rugby and football is going to provide for only a tiny fraction of the players in these codes. It is imperative that the upgrade programme for all other pitches is continued to ensure decent playing fields for other players, otherwise only the "priority" teams who are allocated play time on the all weather turf are being properly catered for.For children and youth to continue to play, it is imperative that ALL the grounds are adequately maintained and upgraded. | 706.3 |
| 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. | 728.6 |
| I would argue that the "bang for buck' of investing more money into improving or constructing new sports fields versus investing similar amounts into significant improvements in the quality of the mountain biking, cycling and walking trail infrastructures around the region. Recent economic studies including those for the Cycle Trails Trust and the BERL report have showed that the economic impact of cycling and mountain biking visitors to the region is significant offering an incredible ROI on money spent to improve the infrastructure. This is without even considering the substantial lifestyle benefits of those resources and the well-known impact his has on the decisions of high quality new resitdents to move to Nelson to live. | 733.4 |
| Continue to spend on biking infrastructure. Particularly to promote Nelson as a Mountain biking hub for NZ. There are obvious health, wellbeing and economic benefits to this. | 735.6 |
| The money should be spent on Nelson Mountain bike tracks instead of the all weather terf because there are so many more mountain bikers in nelson than soccer and rugby players combined | 736.6 |
| have private interest groups raise money | 749.6 |
| Environmental cost of option 2... no thanks | 751.6 |
| You need more than 1 all weather turf field as otherwise only the top team will ever get to utilize it. | 757.4 |
| this should be at saxtons though | 769.6 |
| Saxtons has had plenty of funding. We already have a considerable amount of sports fields albeit uncovered. We already get national and international sports teams come through. The Trafalgar centre is used for basketball. I think we can stop there for a while until Nelson is in a position where they can afford it. No more sports spendings, thanks. | 778.6 |
| 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. | 785.6 |
| 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. | 786.6 |
| Better that fields are available for all. | 809.6 |
| all weather turf? Or a recreational center like the hub the the youth of nelson got deprived of | 811.6 |
| (nice to have an all weather turf but is it really essential) | 828.6 |
| all weather turf might hurt if you fall on it compared to grass. | 847.6 |
| An all weather turf can be used for many more times than a grass pitch. This means the grass pitch won't get damaged and could be used for other activities and people can be more active and I would like to see good teams train and play here. | 867.1 |
| I have no opinion on this. | 883.6 |
| synthetic turf can be a bad value over the long term, there are serious environmental problems to consider, and the costs to install and maintain any sizable, well-done installation proved so high that we concluded we’d be better off investing the money and effort in just about any other form of landscaping. | 884.6 |
| Please don't add more toxins into nature that then can create microplastics | 885.6 |
| Please don't add more plastic into the environment! | 886.6 |
| It is not clear what drainage solutions have already been tried, where the location of the turf would be and who would benefit from the turf. | 887.4 |
| An all-weather sports turf has been required in Nelson for many years and I support to proposal to construct. | 890.2 |
| 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. | 894.6 |
| Subject: Funding Request for Feasibility Study on adding roof to outdoor Netball courts at Saxton Field for Nelson Netball Centre.NNC – Key Issue #6 – all-weather sports turf. IntroductionNelson Netball Centre Inc. (NNC) respectfully submits this proposal to [Council Name] as part of the Long Term Plan (LTP) discussion, seeking an allocation of $55,000 in the next annual budget for conducting a feasibility study. This study aims to explore the potential of adding a roof to the outdoor netball courts at Saxton Field. In light of the LTP's allocation of $211,357 for the 26/27 outyear for court resurfacing, we propose a reallocation of some funds to the 24/25 fiscal year to facilitate this crucial study. | 895.6 |
| An all weather pitch would want to be used when the weather is bad, which is not often. However when it does occur every club and team (100s) from all codes will want to use it. The bigger organisations will undoubtedly get more time. Being from a smaller club (Tahuna) I will never use it, but funds to maintain my pitch (and inadequate training area) will be used to finance it. This will be the same for the majority of players in the majority of teams across the region (this doesnt even include the 1000s of juniors) and the lower the grade of team the even less likely youll get any time using the all weather even though your taxes are worth the same. | 901.6 |
| 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. | 902.1 |
| 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 | 912.2 |
| Construct an all-weather turf and continue an upgrade programme of improvements on existing sports fields. | 916.6 |
| 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. | 921.6 |
| 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. | 923.6 |
| existing sport fields are spread over the region so they are accessible to most users who do no necessarily have a mean to move to an all weather turf. Easy access of nearby facilities is socially positive, for example for after school practices and training. | 931.4 |
| The cost will double, thats a given. There is no money for 'wants' like this. Football and rugby can source the cash themselves. Theres an all weather pitch at Nelson College. Nelson Girls have an indoor futsal facility. The football teams can hire that for next to nothing. Creative thinking by the heads of the Rugby and Football Clubs is what is needed to find alternative solution for training. Too few people will benefit, and in this climate there just isn't the money. | 939.5 |
| Isupport Option 1: Continue to upgrade our existing sports fields. Nelson should not install an artificial turf sports field because of the embodied carbon emissions and the release of microplastics. Plastic turf has a lifetime of only 8-10 years, so the council would be contributing to on-going carbon emissions if it installs a plastic turf. In addition, artificial turf releases microplastic particles into the air and water. This generates runoff of microplastics into stormwater systems and the potential for inhalation by players and spectators. Let’s improve drainage on our existing sports fields. | 946.3 |
| Regrettably I must support OPTION 1. This is NOT essential expenditure so should be deferred for consideration in the 4 - 10 years LTP time frame. | 959.6 |
| Some reservations here that the Council will become the default funder. The sports codes involved need to be contractually locked into their long term obligations | 963.6 |
| Sports clubs/community should raise 50% of the cost | 977.6 |
| In this Climate Emergency Council should be viewing all projects through a Climate Lens. This project would involve huge amounts of embodied carbon - the emissions toll over the whole project would be huge and not justifiable. | 978.6 |
| ALL-WEATHER SPORTS TURFConstruct an all-weather turf | 982.6 |
| Option 1 will have much less of a financial impact on whanau, especially low-income households, while still improving the accessibility of sports fields. There needs to be consideration around whether a new sports turf should be prioritised over ensuring more financial stability for low-income communities. | 987.6 |
| 6All weather turf: Opposed, I support Option 1. The materials used are likely to result in huge volumes of man-made micro fibres entering local waterways and the bodies of users. There is already too much of it. | 1001.7 |
| I dislike the environmental effects of artificial turf - made from non-renewable materials and micro plastics etc. | 1002.4 |
| Please. No. | 1003.6 |
| Just an absolute no on the astroturf. Please don't do this. | 1009.6 |
| I would propose Guppy Park as the ideal location. 1. Centrally located for the population of Nelson 2. Close to accomodation and general facilites of town when the facility hosts tournaments3. Injects mych needed revenue to the city centre when tournaments are on or even on wet Saturdays when other hrass putches are not available. People will still use cafes and bars as they are close by. 4. Could combine with the rugby club with obvious synergies 5. Only have to look at the huge benefits Christchurch has had from Englush Park and the use all clubs have had on rainy days. Prevents fixture congestion and all players seem to enjoy the surface. | 1011.2 |
| When all the important things are done we can look at the "play things". (Trafalgar Park - under utilised!).Nero fiddled while Rome burned! | 1018.6 |
| 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. | 1022.1 |
| I consider that Nelson should not install an artificial turf sports field because of the embodied carbon emissions and the release of microplastics. Embodied carbonNelson needs to look for all opportunities to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and certainly should not be adding new sources of emissions that are not essential. The report Council commissioned from RSL in May 2020 calculated the embodied carbon emissions of plastic turf: 29 kg of C02-e per square metre per year, compared to 1 kg for natural turf. For a 10,000m2 field that is 290,000kg (290 tonnes) of C02 every year, the equivalent embodied carbon in 707m3 of concrete. Furthermore, artificial turf doesn’t sequester any carbon, whereas a natural grass field of that size will sequester over 7 tonnes of CO2. Installing an artificial turf will also create an expectation by the sports clubs that the turf will be replaced at the end of its life (typically only 8-10 years). The used turf will need to be disposed of in landfill (at high cost) while the new turf would generate still more embodied carbon emissions and microplastics into the environment. MicroplasticsPlastic turf releases microplastic particles into the air and water[5]. This generates runoff of microplastics into stormwater systems and the potential for inhalation by players and spectators. This has led the European Union and some other jurisdictions to ban some uses of microplastics in artificial turf[6]. These actions reflect rising concern about microplastics in every part of the environment, including our food. Two of NZ’s leading cancer researchers are seeking funding to investigate a potential link between microplastics and a documented rise in bowel cancer. Nelson should not be replacing natural turf with a plastic surface that will generate adverse effects on people and the environment for years to come. | 1047.5 |
| Prefer to see NCC and TDC provide community facilities together to a higher standard befitting Nelson's position as the third largest urban centre in the South Island. It is notable that smaller towns like Blenheim and Timaru have better facilities than either Nelson or Richmond. Combined investments should be right-sized commensurate with our combined population. | 1050.5 |
| I support Option 1: Continue to upgrade our existing sports fields. | 1057.5 |
| Refer to 10 page submission for further information - key points re all weather sports turf below: | 1059.3 |
| 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 |
| Alarge amount was spent on the turf at Trafalgar Park and facilities at Saxtons Field at little or no cost to the sports involved whereas the Aero Club are charged commercial rates for ground rental rates and landing fees when the western grass would be sufficient for them as their park. They do not run a commercial operation , just a sporting club that help establish the current air port. | 1072.6 |
| please build one in nelson city, Guppy Park. Would encourage more people to take up sports and make for a more liveable city where people want to live to play there. | 1076.9 |
| Please delay the construction of an artificial turf until there is a solution to the issue of increased micro-plastic run off. | 1081.6 |
| environmental impact trumps sport needs | 1085.6 |
| This is well overdue and an all weather turf is needed. The amount of games that have been called off not just because it is raining/the weather is bad but to "prolong the pitches or pitch conditions" is ridiculous and this is across all ages/gradesHaving an all weather turf/s like the Christchurch football center would not only be of benefit to local Saturday football games but it could also mean that Nelson could look at hosting tournaments like the Christchurch International Cup which then would benefit Nelson as a whole. All football clubs in Nelson are wanting facilities like this and I can see it being well used. 2 options for the turf location I believe would be Neale Park or guppy parks as the grounds here are so uneven, or if looking for a more "central" location for Nelson/Richmond could be Champion green | 1087.1 |
| All weather sports turf is not environmentally friendly! | 1093.6 |
| Option 3, construct and all weather turf and maintain current facilities at the standard they are at now. | 1116.6 |
| all facilities will always need Continuous upgrading even an all weather one so they can't be left with less maintenance going forward. Continue upgrading to maintain them in good condition | 1119.4 |
| 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. | 1124.6 |
| While it does require continual mowing and waterinbmg, artificial turf has a large carbon footprint, and you lose the benefits of grass, such as cooling and moisture absorption. | 1155.6 |
| Seems obvious for long term benefit. I do wonder though, as this issue does not affect me, why it is so high on the list when huge issues like granting land access from Ngati Koata for recreational use which I imagine would affect so many more people are not. | 1157.6 |
| its not just turf users who require facilities. Swimming is a declining soret due to cost of pool hire & availability. | 1158.4 |
| It would also be beneficial to upgrade facilities around mountain bike parks in the Nelson area. Much the same as Wellington has done with shower and toilet blocks and also enabling food cart/ coffee carts in the hubs. Lockers would also be beneficial as many school children bike at the parks after school and dump their bags in bushes for pick up later. This would also benefit tourists,. | 1159.6 |
| An artificial turf in central Nelson (Guppy Park) close to the CBD is absolutely needed. It would give sport codes a reliable training and game surfaces regardless of the season and the weather. Grass fields in the area have been deteriorating due to poor maintenance, strain due to the weather (too wet or too dry) and due to overuse. A turf would help give these pitches a rest and reduce cost of maintenance.Young kids from all different walks of life would benefit from a turf and access to it. Talking of a safe space to do sports / be active. Not to forget about the opportunities a good turf would provide to aspirational kids / teenagers pursuing a career in sports. They need modern facilities to develop their skills at a good level. It’s a big investment but its well worth it. It would also see sport codes work together. It’s a bo brainer. | 1162.1 |
| At Guppy park | 1164.6 |
| Make sure its in Nelson at Neale Park / Guppy | 1176.6 |
| which every works out less costly over time | 1181.6 |
| I do not support artificial turf as it is both a heat sink (creator of the heat island effect) and sheds micro plastics into waterways and the environment. Where sports fields are implemented use living grasses. | 1198.2 |
| Absolutely need this to encourage greater sports participation for the wellbeing of the individuals involved and the clubs who support them. | 1201.4 |
| shoild be central location such as Neal park up grade neal park fields to, scrape and re sod | 1203.6 |
| 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. | 1204.6 |
| Choose not to answer. | 1206.6 |
| it would be great to have at guppy park | 1207.6 |
| 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. | 1208.6 |
| Sports is one of the most highly funded areas by Council. Large numbers of Nelsonians do not play sport, especially the contact team sports. I would like Council to place more of the burden of of the cost of field maintenance on the clubs that use the the fields. | 1216.6 |
| I do support an all-weather turf but the location of this needs to be presented before making a decision. | 1219.6 |
| Nice idea but not worth the cost when we have storm damage to deal with and constrained finances. Pay down debt instead. | 1221.6 |
| 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 | 1225.6 |
| spending massive amounts on few artificial fields is a total waste of money | 1254.6 |
| A full and transparent review of all sports fields and facilities with the aim of reducing overall expenditure. | 1255.6 |
| please make this a reality, long over due | 1262.6 |
| The construction of an all-weather turf is not a priority. It is more expensive than what we're already doing and will have a negative environmental impact. | 1272.6 |
| Don't spend extra money on this and maintain it at current levels. | 1273.6 |
| Location at guppy park | 1276.6 |
| An artificial turf is desperately needed in Nelson. Currently making do training on a dangerous pitch (Neale Park/North Road) that i'm told used to be a landfill. Most weeks in winter we can't even train at all and have to seek out a turf. | 1277.6 |
| It needs to be at Guppy park | 1280.2 |
| The field is a luxury not a necessity, especially when facing rate rises in the current financial climate | 1282.6 |
| A difficult one. The all-weather turf needs to have buy in from all affected sports bodies, with no one sports body trying to claim any priority access to it. Maybe it's time to do a review of all our sports grounds to ensure they're still relevant and fit for purpose. Drainage being a key issue. | 1286.6 |
| Current grounds are not fit for purpose. Artificial pitch should be located at Guppy/Neale park given they are the worst in the region and would need the most ongoing maintenance. | 1287.1 |
| It needs to be at Guppy park and not at Saxton sports fields they have everything already. | 1288.1 |
| all weather turf needed at guppy park | 1291.6 |
| at Guppy | 1297.6 |
| small investments in multiple facilities would be more beneificial than singular large investments that would only benefit a limited number of sporting groups. Shared use of this facility would become a major issue, as all sporting codes (rugby, football, hockey, netball etc) from various interested clubs would all require the use of this simultaneously (during heavy rain / cold winter months) and there would not be enough space to accomodate all. This money would be better allocated to minor upgrades to existing sporting facilities so all clubs / codes would be able to continue to fucntion & support activity on their own allocated grounds. This proposed facility is also in an isolated area, only benefiting Central Nelson clubs as opposed to being accessible to groups accross the region. | 1302.6 |
| Artificial turf is just horrible from an eco point of view (emissions, microplastics and end of life rubbish). Grass is good! | 1305.4 |
| If Council decisions are based on reducing carbon emissions, then the question shouldn't even be in this consultation. The Nelson Tasman Climate Forum's submission details the emissions footprint of artificial turf in comparison to grass. In addition the leaching of microplastics into the environment from the turf is unacceptable, and again shouldn't even be considered. The need to landfill the turf is yet another nail in the coffin for this bad proposal. The acts of installing, replacing and then removing the turf will create microplastics, again, a bad decision for the environment.Even if we had this all weather turf, it would not meet the needs of all the sports clubs, and so would still require many games to be played on existing sports grounds. I think all sports fields should be upgraded to improve their drainage over time, if that is the reason for some fields being worse than others. Also the issue of sea level rise needs to be considered in terms of best use of investment funds. | 1324.6 |
| Not affordable and with no shortage of spaces for sport not a priority | 1329.5 |
| An all weather turf facility is essential for a growing City like Nelson and the turf needs to be located in the City! Neale Park / Guppy Park are the obvious choices. | 1330.2 |
| This is long overdue. It has to be in central Nelson. | 1334.1 |
| This facility would be an asset to the City. It would be well used and it should be placed in the City area (Neale Park). | 1335.1 |
| In a time of financial difficulty, this feels like wholly wasteful spending. Furthermore, building an all-weather turf in a potentially at-risk climate area that is clearly biased towards a limited number of sports is unnecessary, as these sports can already play outside for the most part while other sports that cannot lack indoor facilities entirely. Where is the proposed funding for public INDOOR tennis courts, then? Or indoor track and field/gymnasium? Why does rugby always get all the preferential treatment? An upgrade to the fields is sufficient without building a wasteful plastic all-weather turf. | 1338.5 |
| I don’t believe an all weather sports turf is necessary if sports grounds are going to be upgraded and properly maintained. | 1355.3 |
| this is a mist i have just moved down from Wellington where they have about 9 or ten of these yea the weather is better here but still in Desperate need of one from alot of sports to benefit ( especially football basically an all year round sport for kids to be active and competitive) | 1360.6 |
| Nelson has a poor history in investing in future.. | 1365.6 |
| defer until can afford | 1373.6 |
| I do not support the turf because of a) the on-going environmental issues associated with the artificial turf (greater carbon emissions, more micro plastics and more waste;b) the amount of money that has already been spent on Nelson sports facilities including Saxton field. There needs to be a better balance towards heritage and the arts. | 1379.5 |
| Comment: | 1390.6 |
| We would need more than one astroturf pitch, surely? | 1391.6 |
| What always happens with these types of purchases is that the budget blows out massively, almost immediately after the paperwork is signed. Will end up costing residents 3 or 4 times the initial estimate. We shouldn't do this right now, more important things need attention | 1412.6 |
| 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 | 1414.3 |
| This sounds like a 'nice to have' not an essential in these difficult economic times. | 1421.3 |
| 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!! | 1429.1 |
| All-weather Sports TurfTBCA supports Option 2 – construct an all-weather turf and reduce the current upgrade programme An all-weather sports turf would make Nelson an attractive destination for sports tournaments and national events as well as providing an alternative playing and training venue for sports codes in wet conditions. Siting it somewhere centrally (Saxton Field?) would allow it to benefit from existing infrastructure, which could help reduce costs. | 1433.6 |
| Do this once, do it well, saves on the longer term. | 1439.6 |
| 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. | 1441.5 |
| this depends on where its proposed to be, having it out by Neale park is ridiculous and only benefits one or two organisations, if its at Saxton which is a sports hub for Nelson than i think its a great idea | 1451.6 |
| If investment is to be made into sports facilities i would like to see more focus on non traditional sports such as developing the mountain biking access and network infrastructure. Mountain biking is a growing sport and Nelson has the one or if not the best natural geography to maximise the benefits of development of any city in the country. This would provide greater community and economic benefits than an all weather sports pitch that is used one day a week. | 1452.5 |
| Although an all weather field may be nice - now is not the time!! | 1468.6 |
| We support Option 1 of retaining the current approach to sports field management. | 1474.15 |
| Could this not be privately funded ? | 1479.6 |
| We do not agree with the recommendation and favour option 1 (retain current approach).We consider there is insufficient data supplied to endorse the proposal, although we note the requirement that the clubs involved have some “skin in the game”.It is unclear in the LTP as to the extent of usage of the facility, or how bad a handicap the present arrangements are, and it appears that the area is primarily being developed as a training facility.At a time when there is significant pressure on rates and compelling reasons to apply funding in other areas, we oppose such investment in what is an unclear and possibly low-priority application.We are not averse to this being reconsidered in the next Annual Plan, with suitably expanded supporting data. | 1482.6 |
| 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 | 1487.1 |
| again this is a great idea however the budget blow out on something like this will be ridiculous- the management and the running of soemthing like this is again unfortunately what happens - its someones mate that will end up with the project that provides a nice little back hander to one of the councillors - the reality is Nelson building and planning team couldn’t organise there way out of a wet paper bag | 1489.6 |
| Support Option 1 - Retain current approach of continuing to improve existing sports fields. | 1494.4 |