All-weather sports turf Summary

5 comments for All-weather sports turf.

Emotion Chart

Summary of Comments on All-Weather Sports Turf

The Nelson City Council received several submissions regarding the proposal for all-weather sports turf as part of the Long Term Plan. The comments reflect a mix of support, concerns, and suggestions for the implementation of artificial sports fields in Nelson. Below is a synthesis of the key points raised in the submissions:

  1. Support for All-Weather Sports Turf:
  2. The Nelson Youth Council strongly supports the installation of all-weather sports turf, particularly advocating for its placement in Saxton, Nelson. They highlight benefits such as reduced maintenance costs, consistent playing conditions, enhanced safety, and the potential to attract more sports events, which could stimulate economic activity.

  3. The Nelson Rugby Football Club (NRFC) also supports the development of artificial sports fields, emphasizing the need for such facilities in northwest Nelson City. They cite benefits like year-round accessibility, reduced maintenance, environmental sustainability, and enhanced safety. The NRFC proposes the development of two high-quality artificial turf fields with advanced lighting systems.

  4. Concerns and Evaluations:

  5. One submission expresses a need for a more detailed evaluation of the challenges that artificial turf aims to address, including environmental impacts and cost considerations. It suggests continuing improvement work on existing sports fields while further evaluating the benefits of artificial turf.

  6. Uncertainty and Lack of Information:

  7. A resident expresses uncertainty about the all-weather turf, indicating a lack of sufficient information to form a definitive opinion.

  8. Proposed Locations and Collaborations:

  9. The Nelson Youth Council suggests Saxton as an ideal location due to its central position and existing sports facilities, proposing a collaborative effort between Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council.

  10. The NRFC proposes northwest Nelson City as the location for the new facilities, aiming to serve both club members and the surrounding community.

  11. Funding and Community Involvement:

  12. The NRFC outlines a funding strategy that includes council funding, grants, sponsorships, and community fundraising to support the substantial investment required for the project.

  13. Additional Proposals:

  14. The Nelson Rugby Football Working Party mentions a proposed redevelopment of Neale Park, focusing on providing infrastructure to support recreational space developments, though details are limited to a referenced PowerPoint presentation.

Recommendations for Council Consideration:

  • Further Information and Clarity: Address the concerns regarding the lack of information by providing more detailed data and potential impacts of the all-weather sports turf to the public.
  • Community Engagement: Enhance community engagement efforts to gather broader feedback and ensure that residents' concerns and suggestions are considered in the planning process.
  • Evaluation of Proposals: Carefully evaluate the proposed locations and benefits as outlined by the Nelson Youth Council and NRFC, considering both the community benefits and financial implications.
  • Collaborative Efforts: Explore the potential for collaboration between Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council as suggested, which could distribute costs and benefits more broadly across the region.

This summary should assist the council in understanding the community's perspectives and forming a strategic approach to the development of all-weather sports turf in Nelson.

Comment Point ID
Comment: Our approach, given the level of demand, existing sport field conditions, cost and the environmental impact of an artificial installation, is to further define the challenges which are intended to be addressed and to further evaluate the evidence of how an artificial turf may 7 overcome these perceived challenges. Whilst completing this evaluation we continue to support a programme of improvement work to the existing sports field network. 1027.9
Comment: All-Weather Turf. Unsure. Don’t know enough including site. 1073.6
Comment: All Weather Sports Turf The Nelson Youth council supports the proposed approach on the all weather sports turf, and recognises the need for an all weather sports turf, accessible to the public in Nelson. We support the funding going towards this project, as it caters towards various sports that require aforementioned turf, and strengthens the sporting infrastructure within Nelson. We propose that the installation of the All Weather Sports Turf is installed in Saxton, Nelson, with the aim of improving the region’s sporting infrastructure. This initiative offers several benefits to both the community and it could potentially have both Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council involved. One major advantage of all-weather sports turf is its reduced maintenance requirements compared to traditional grass pitches. This turf eliminates the need for frequent mowing and watering, resulting in lower operational costs and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, it ensures consistent playing conditions regardless of weather, allowing for year-round use. Another benefit is the potential to attract more tournaments and events to Nelson. The high-quality facilities provided by all-weather sports turf can enhance the region's reputation and stimulate economic activity. Moreover, the turf's design prioritises player safety, minimising the risk of injuries and encouraging active participation in sports and recreational activities. Saxton is an ideal location for this initiative due to its central position within the Nelson Tasman region. Serving as a hub for various sports facilities, including the cricket oval, stadiums, and outdoor courts, Saxton ensures accessibility to a wide range of sports enthusiasts throughout the region. Furthermore, the project presents an opportunity for collaboration between Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council. By pooling resources and expertise, both councils can maximise the benefits of the initiative for their respective regions. In conclusion, the installation of all-weather sports turf in Saxton represents a strategic investment in the region's future. It promotes active lifestyles, fosters community engagement, and enhances overall quality of life for residents. 1147.6
Comment: Executive Summary Nelson Rugby Football Club (NRFC) respectfully submits this proposal to advocate for the inclusion of state-of-the-art artificial sports fields and adequate lighting systems in northwest Nelson City. This initiative will not only support the growth and development of rugby at all levels but will also benefit the wider community by promoting sports and physical activity across age groups and increasing the availability of the fields throughout the year. The Nelson Rugby Football Club and FC Nelson are jointly developing a mutual strategy to advance a multi-use community focused facility at North Road/Guppy Park. The development of the artificial sports fields would meet the additional demand necessitated of the development. Introduction As a cornerstone of the community, the Nelson Rugby Football Club has been fostering the spirit of teamwork, resilience, and excellence for over 150 years. Our commitment extends beyond just cultivating rugby talent; 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 Challenges Currently, 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 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. Benefits of Artificial Sports Fields and Lighting 1. Year-Round Accessibility: Artificial fields can withstand extreme weather conditions and heavy usage, ensuring they are always playable. 2. Reduced Maintenance: These fields require less maintenance than natural grass, translating into lower long-term 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. 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. Proposed Implementation We propose the development of two high-quality artificial turf fields, complete with advanced lighting systems, in northwest Nelson City. This strategic location will serve not only our club members but also the surrounding communities, enhancing access for all residents. Financial Considerations We acknowledge the substantial investment required for this project and propose exploring a combination of funding avenues:  Council Funding: Allocation from the Long Term Plan.  Grants and Sponsorships: Leveraging support from local businesses and sports organizations.  Community Fundraising: Engaging the local community through fundraising initiatives. Conclusion The 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 considering this submission and look forward to contributing towards a dynamic and inclusive future for Nelson City.   1436.2
Comment: The Nelson Rugby Football Working Party would like to begin considerations around a proposed redevelopment of Neale Park. A community driven project that would provide infrastructure to existing and future developments of the recreational space Refer to PowerPoint presentation. 1486.3