All-weather sports turf Debate Table

Group	Option 1	Option 2
Community Wellbeing	Cost of Living (5 comments) --- Residents express concerns that the construction of an all-weather sports turf is a luxury rather than a necessity, particularly in light of current financial pressures from rising rates. Many believe that the financial burden of such a project could disproportionately affect low-income families, arguing for a more cost-effective approach that still improves sports field accessibility without significant rate increases. Additionally, there is skepticism about potential budget overruns associated with the project, with a preference for allocating funds to more pressing community needs.	Cost of Living (1 comments) --- The argument emphasizes the need for the council to set fair and reasonable ongoing fees for the use of the all-weather sports turf, considering the financial constraints of most sports clubs. It highlights that the primary users of the turf are ratepayers and their families, who have already contributed to its funding through their rates. Therefore, it is argued that these fees should reflect the economic realities of the community to ensure accessibility and equity in the use of the new facility.
Community Wellbeing	Culture and Heritage (1 comments) --- The resident opposing the construction of the all-weather sports turf underlines significant environmental concerns, highlighting the increased carbon emissions, microplastics, and waste associated with artificial turfs. They also express dissatisfaction with the allocation of financial resources, pointing out that substantial funds have already been invested in sports facilities like Saxton Field. The comment calls for a more balanced distribution of funds, advocating for enhanced support towards heritage and the arts to foster community wellbeing.
Community Wellbeing		Education (1 comments) --- The comment highlights the necessity of an all-weather sports turf in central Nelson for providing reliable training and game surfaces that are unaffected by seasonal weather variations. It emphasizes the role of such facilities in supporting youth from diverse backgrounds, offering them a safe space for sports and physical activity, which is crucial for their development and potential sports careers. The investment in modern sports infrastructure is seen as beneficial for fostering community collaboration among sports codes and providing significant long-term value to the community's wellbeing and educational opportunities.
Community Wellbeing	Equality & Inclusion (20 comments) --- The residents supporting Option 1 argue that improving existing sports facilities would provide more equitable benefits across the community, avoiding the potential for an all-weather turf to primarily serve larger, centrally-located clubs at the expense of smaller, more geographically dispersed ones. They express concerns that the all-weather turf would be disproportionately accessible to elite teams and larger organizations, potentially excluding broader community access and benefits, particularly for smaller clubs and lower-grade teams. Additionally, there is a strong sentiment that funds would be better allocated towards enhancing multiple existing fields with better lighting and maintenance, thereby supporting a wider range of community members and promoting inclusivity in sports participation.	Equality & Inclusion (9 comments) --- The community strongly supports the construction of an all-weather sports turf, emphasizing its potential to enhance access to sports for diverse groups, including migrants and young people, thereby fostering better integration and providing equal opportunities. Many residents argue for the strategic placement of the turf at Guppy Park rather than other locations, to ensure equitable access among various sports codes and to support local businesses. There is a consensus on the need for the turf to be accessible to a wide range of clubs, teams, and age groups, with fair booking practices to prevent dominance by top teams or specific clubs, thus promoting inclusivity and community wellbeing.
Community Wellbeing	Health (5 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 1 express significant concerns about the environmental and health impacts of artificial turf, specifically highlighting the release of microplastics and the potential for these particles to contaminate waterways and be inhaled by humans. They also raise issues about artificial turf being a hormone disruptor and its contribution to the heat island effect, which could adversely affect community comfort and health. Additionally, the embodied carbon emissions associated with the production and disposal of artificial turf are noted as significant, with a preference for natural grass that can sequester carbon and has a lower environmental impact.	Health (5 comments) --- The construction of an all-weather sports turf is seen as essential for promoting healthy lifestyle choices throughout the year, as it would provide a reliable venue for sports regardless of weather conditions. Community members emphasize that while the all-weather turf would enhance sports participation and wellbeing, it is important to maintain the quality of other pitches to ensure comprehensive training and development opportunities for youth. Additionally, the proposal for enhanced facilities at mountain bike parks suggests that improving sports infrastructure broadly, including the all-weather turf, could attract more participants and boost community health and enjoyment.
Community Wellbeing	Lifestyle & Enjoyment (26 comments) --- 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.	Lifestyle & Enjoyment (60 comments) --- Residents strongly support the construction of an all-weather sports turf, emphasizing its potential to enhance Nelson's appeal as a sports hub and improve the quality of life by providing reliable and consistent playing conditions. They highlight the turf's role in supporting community and youth development through increased sports participation, even during adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the central location of the turf is seen as crucial for maximizing accessibility and ensuring it benefits a wide demographic, including local sports teams and the broader community.
Community Wellbeing	Safety and Security (4 comments) --- 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.	Safety and Security (4 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 2 emphasize the safety benefits of an all-weather turf, highlighting that it provides a safer and more consistent playing surface compared to poorly maintained current fields, which are often unusable in wet conditions and pose injury risks. They also argue that the artificial turf would enhance community wellbeing by enabling more reliable and frequent sports activities, thus fostering greater community engagement and participation in sports. Additionally, the inclusion of facilities such as lockers at nearby mountain bike parks is suggested to increase security for belongings, further supporting community wellbeing and safety.
Community Wellbeing		Togetherness (6 comments) --- The construction of an all-weather sports turf is seen as crucial for enhancing community cohesion by providing a reliable venue for sports and events that bring people together, regardless of weather conditions. Residents believe that such a facility would not only meet the local demand but also elevate Nelson's status by enabling it to host significant tournaments, thereby fostering a stronger community spirit and increasing participation in sports. Additionally, the collaboration between different sports codes and the potential for shared use of the facility is expected to strengthen community ties and support the growth of local sports talent.
Economic Benefits		Business Opportunities (3 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 2 advocate for the construction of an all-weather sports turf at Guppy Park, emphasizing its potential to boost local businesses through increased daily traffic and the economic impact of hosting teams from other areas. They highlight the central location of Guppy Park, its proximity to accommodations and city facilities, which they believe would attract more visitors and revenue to the city center during sports tournaments and events. Additionally, they argue that such a facility would reinvigorate local business by hosting community events and providing a consistent venue for sports activities, especially during inclement weather, thus alleviating the pressure on poorly maintained fields.
Economic Benefits	Costs (41 comments) --- The majority of residents expressed concerns about the high costs associated with constructing and maintaining an all-weather sports turf, emphasizing that it would benefit only a limited number of users and could lead to financial strain on the community. Many highlighted the potential for better allocation of funds to other community needs or existing facilities, suggesting that improvements to current sports fields would be more cost-effective and benefit a broader segment of the community. Additionally, there were significant worries about the environmental impact and sustainability of an all-weather turf, with suggestions that maintaining and upgrading existing grass fields would pose fewer environmental risks and align better with community values.	Costs (15 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 2 believe that despite the initial high costs, the long-term benefits and savings from reduced maintenance and increased capacity justify the investment in an all-weather sports turf. They argue that the turf will enhance Nelson's attractiveness for hosting sports tournaments and events, potentially bringing economic benefits to the community. Additionally, some suggest exploring funding avenues such as grants or contributions from private interest groups to mitigate the financial burden on the council.
Economic Benefits		Population Growth (3 comments) --- Residents believe that constructing an all-weather sports turf will significantly enhance the attractiveness and livability of Nelson, encouraging more people to engage in sports and potentially attracting new residents. The improved facilities are expected to increase usage, as evidenced by the successful upgrade at Nelson College, which has led to greater utilization of their sports field. The presence of such a facility is seen as essential for supporting the growth and development of the city, making it a more desirable location for both current and prospective residents.
Economic Benefits	Productivity (1 comments) --- The resident argues that improving existing facilities, such as lighting and the quality of grass fields, would be more beneficial than constructing a new all-weather sports turf, which may primarily serve only specific local clubs. They suggest that upgrading Tahunanui Reserve could transform it into a community hub for both summer and winter sports, potentially increasing its use and community engagement. Additionally, integrating Tahuna FC into a new multi-code facility could lead to operational efficiencies and reduced maintenance costs, enhancing the economic sustainability of the area.
Economic Benefits		Revenue (2 comments) --- The comments in support of Option 2 highlight the potential for long-term financial savings, drawing parallels to other successful infrastructure projects in Nelson that have proven economically beneficial over time. One resident emphasized the initial high cost as an investment that would lead to growing dividends through savings in subsequent years. Another comment pointed out the high demand and user satisfaction experienced with similar facilities in other regions, suggesting that the all-weather sports turf could generate increased revenue through rental fees, thereby justifying the investment.
Economic Benefits		Tourism (9 comments) --- Residents believe that constructing an all-weather sports turf will enhance Nelson's appeal as a venue for regional and national sports tournaments, thereby boosting local tourism and economic activity. The presence of such a facility is expected to attract more visitors, especially during inclement weather when other pitches are unusable, leading to increased spending in local businesses and hospitality venues. Additionally, the turf's ability to host multiple events and games reliably will support the growth and development of sports in the area, further contributing to the local economy.
Environmental Benefits	Ecosystems & Biodiversity (3 comments) --- Residents opposing the installation of an all-weather sports turf highlighted significant environmental concerns. They emphasized that artificial turf contributes to pollution through microplastics, which can harm marine life and subsequently human health, especially given the turf's proximity to water bodies. Additionally, they pointed out that replacing natural grass with artificial turf would eliminate the natural benefits of grass, such as cooling and moisture absorption, and exacerbate the heat island effect.
Environmental Benefits	Sustainability (29 comments) --- The majority of residents expressed strong concerns about the environmental impact of constructing an all-weather sports turf, highlighting issues such as microplastic pollution, increased carbon emissions, and the negative effects on local ecosystems and waterways. Many argued that the artificial turf's potential harm, including its contribution to long-term waste due to its limited lifespan and non-biodegradable nature, outweighs its benefits for sports utility. Instead, they advocated for enhancing existing natural grass fields, emphasizing that such upgrades would be more sustainable and less detrimental to the environment.	Sustainability (4 comments) --- 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.
Environmental Benefits	Waste (6 comments) --- Residents opposing the installation of an all-weather sports turf primarily highlight the environmental impact of artificial turf, particularly its contribution to microplastic pollution and its relatively short lifespan which necessitates frequent replacement. They express concerns about the embodied carbon emissions associated with the production and disposal of artificial turf, emphasizing that it does not sequester carbon like natural grass and leads to ongoing environmental degradation. Additionally, the disposal process of used turf, which involves landfilling, is criticized for exacerbating microplastic pollution and failing to align with broader environmental sustainability goals.
Operational Considerations	Stakeholder Engagement (2 comments) --- The residents have expressed a need for further discussion and involvement in the decision-making process regarding the proposed all-weather sports turf, highlighting the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement. Tahuna FC has voiced concerns that the proposed locations for the new turf would not significantly benefit their club and instead supports the enhancement of existing facilities, which they believe would better serve their needs. Additionally, they suggest that involving the club in consultations for new shared facilities could lead to more efficient operations and reduced maintenance costs, emphasizing the need for community-centric planning in sports infrastructure development.	Stakeholder Engagement (1 comments) --- The comment raises concerns about potential mismanagement and unethical financial practices associated with the construction of the all-weather sports turf, suggesting that such issues could lead to budget overruns. The individual expresses skepticism about the capabilities of the Nelson building and planning team, implying a lack of confidence in their ability to efficiently manage the project. Additionally, there is apprehension that the project might be improperly influenced by personal connections within the council, which could compromise the integrity and fairness of the project execution.
Operational Considerations	Technical Feasibility (2 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 1 have expressed concerns about the lack of detailed information and data regarding the usage and effectiveness of the proposed all-weather sports turf. They emphasize the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the project's implications and benefits before proceeding. Additionally, there is skepticism about the priority and necessity of the investment at a time when there are significant financial pressures on other areas that may require funding.	Technical Feasibility (2 comments) --- The first comment highlights the positive experience with artificial turfs in Wellington, suggesting that such installations are highly effective and popular, which supports the technical feasibility of the proposed all-weather sports turf in Nelson. The commenter also identifies Tahunanui field as an ideal location, indicating a strategic site selection that could enhance the project's operational success. The second comment emphasizes the need for inclusive engagement with all sports bodies to ensure equitable access and suggests a comprehensive review of all sports grounds, particularly focusing on drainage, to ensure they are fit for purpose, further supporting the operational considerations for the project.