Rutherford Park play space Summary
13 comments for Rutherford Park play space.
Summary of Resident Feedback on Rutherford Park Play Space Proposal
General Sentiment:
The feedback from residents on the proposed Rutherford Park play space is predominantly positive, with several submissions expressing strong support for the development. Residents recognize the need for a modern, inclusive, and accessible play space that can cater to a diverse range of ages and abilities. There is a clear demand for a destination playground that could serve as a central attraction in Nelson, enhancing the city's appeal to both locals and tourists.
Supportive Views:
- Advocacy for Inclusivity and Diversity: Several comments highlight the importance of the play space in promoting active recreation and providing equitable access. The submission from NPHS Te Waipounamu and the Nelson Youth Council specifically supports the inclusion of accessible play equipment, citing the significant role of play in children's cognitive, social, and physical development.
- Economic and Social Benefits: Some residents believe that the play space could revitalize the inner city by attracting families and encouraging them to spend more time downtown. This aligns with broader economic goals of increasing foot traffic and economic activity in the city center.
- Comparative Examples: References to successful play spaces like the Magical Bridge Claudelands Park and the Margaret Mahy playground suggest that residents have high expectations for the quality and impact of the project.
Critical Views:
- Concerns Over Cost and Utilization: A few residents question the proposed $2.4 million expenditure, comparing it to other less utilized facilities like the Modelers Pond playground. They suggest that the investment might be excessive relative to the expected usage and benefits.
- Skepticism About Necessity: There is a sentiment among some that the play space might not be necessary, with suggestions that simpler installations might suffice.
Recommendations:
- Incorporate Diverse and Accessible Equipment: Ensure the play space includes a variety of play equipment that is accessible to children with different abilities. Consider successful models like those mentioned in the submissions.
- Community Engagement and Design Transparency: Continue to engage with the community to refine the design and ensure it meets the expectations and needs of Nelson residents. Clear communication about the design and benefits can help mitigate concerns about cost and necessity.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conduct a detailed cost-benefit analysis to address concerns about the financial investment relative to the potential usage of the play space. This could include projections of increased visitor numbers and economic activity in the area.
- Highlight Broader Benefits: Emphasize the potential broader benefits of the play space, such as its role in community building, enhancing children's development, and boosting local businesses.
Conclusion:
The council should consider both the enthusiastic support for a high-quality, inclusive play space and the critical voices wary of potential underutilization and high costs. Balancing these perspectives through continued community engagement and transparent planning will be key to the project's success.
| Comment | Point ID |
|---|---|
| we alsl need a central childrens playground to be hurried along, our playgrounds are rather dated | 705.9 |
| Rutherford park - more parks and better access for kids and tourists would be much appreciated here. | 773.18 |
| ****Rutherford Park play space A complete waste of $2.4 million (well almost) You only have to have a look at just how much usage the Modelers Pond playground gets (very little) At the beach there are a lot of other activities to attract "people" whereas at Rutherford Park there is really very little or nothing Perhaps a couple of swings or the like would be enough A big saving - a nice to have project | 828.18 |
| Rutherford Playground. not convinced we need this really. 2.4 million seems a bit high | 851.9 |
| Rutherford Park play space NPHS Te Waipounamu supports the development of the Rutherford Park play space. The State of Play report – Te Tau Ihu 2022 identified Playing and Playing on a playground as the top two activities tamariki in Te Tau Ihu spend time doing. We encourage the inclusion of play equipment that facilitates and promotes active recreation providing for a diverse range of ages and abilities. Accessible play equipment should be prioritised to provide equity for all. A good example of an accessible playground is Magical Bridge Claudelands Park, located near Hamilton. | 887.15 |
| Rutherford Park Play Space I support this project, including the provision of additional council funding. | 982.17 |
| Nelson needs a destination playground. None of the playgrounds in Nelson are noteworthy. We need a water feature/splash pad to go with our beautiful weather that we can use year round. | 1025.11 |
| Nelson needs something in the inner city to encourage us to come in and use the spaces. There is nothing to do with my children in town so we get in and get out straight after shopping. | 1025.12 |
| We fully support the proposed Rutherford Park play space project. Play is crucial for young people’s learning, including cognitive, social, and physical development. Play is an outlet for creativity and experimentation that allows children to emulate what they see, try new things, practice skills, reduce fear of failure and to experience and manage risk. Changes to both the built and natural environments have reduced access to traditional play spaces, in many ways due to safety concerns, so it is encouraging that Council are proposing this significant 8 development. This project would also align with the proposed Play Advocate role within Council | 1027.14 |
| I also highly support the Rutherford Park Play space. Something like the Margaret Mahy playground in Chch would be amazing! | 1038.10 |
| Looking forward to the big playground at Trafalgar. I could suggest a few more varied items at playgrounds dotted around, but it's minor. | 1100.11 |
| Rutherford Park Playspace The Nelson Youth Council supports and agrees with the proposed approach on the Rutherford park Playspace. While the designs are not finalised, nor clear, we recognise the importance of establishing more areas for the younger children in Nelson, due to the general lack of Playspaces in Nelson that are available. This would serve as a massive support to many families in Nelson, as a play space in Nelson with a budget as large as this eliminates completely the need to go to the Tahunanui play space to get a large play experience for their child. This area would also create more diversity in the Nelson city area. It could liven up the area with the abstract change from regular field and other decor. In conclusion, the Nelson youth council supports the proposed approach to create the Rutherford park playspace due to the diversity and the accessibility this provides to people in Nelson. | 1147.9 |
| Rutherford Park Play space 43. Wakatū support this project and are pleased to see partnering with iwi entities to implement this project; this forms a template for future development in the city. | 1445.11 |