Skaters told to use rinks, footpaths

Press, 28 May 1982, Page 4

Skaters told to use rinks, footpaths

Roller skaters in Paparua County should take advantage of good-quality footpaths and nearby skating rinks, the county’s reserves committee was told last evening.

The County Engineer, Mr J. D. Annan, was commenting on a letter from 25 young skaters complaining that the council park in Gloaming Place catered for male footballers and cricketers but not for girls who roller skate.

Mr Annan said that an area measuring about. 18m by 12m would be required, but that that would use a large proportion of the reserve.

The hot-mix footpaths in the area should provide an adequate skating area, Mr Annan said.

The cost of sealing an area for skaters would be about $5OOO, he said.

"They have one nf the best skating venues in Canterbury within walking distance, in the Main South Road.” said Cr A. Y. Shuker. Cr Shuker told councillors

that skating was a presentday whim, but asphalt lasted. “If we want to asphalt something. perhaps we should approach the Netball Association and it could be done in Kyle Park, instead of wanting to ruin Hagley Park.” he said. Mr Annan said there were suitable school playgrounds and he was stire that an approach by parents would receive a sympathetic hearing from the schools. The committee again deferred making any decision on shower facilities in the small pavilion at Denton Park. The chairman. Mr C. J. J. Adlam. reported on a meeting that he and Cr J. Y. Pethig had had with representatives of the Hornby Rugby Club.

The club has offered to supply labour and to pay for materials and plumbing if it is reimbursed by the council.

As not all of the committee had inspected the pavilion, the matter was held over until the next meeting.