Park plan may cost $40,000

Press, 9 May 1984, Page 9

Park plan may cost $40,000

Improvements to Sydenham’s Bradford Park, requested by residents, could cost $40,000, the parks and recreation committee of the Christchurch City Council heard yesterday. Mr Max Aiderton, of the Sydenham Community Association, told councillors that the park had virtually no facilities. He listed as priorities adequate lighting for the enclosed park, upgrading and moving of toilet facilities, sealing the walkway through the park, playground facilities, and seating. There were four lights in the park, focused on the playing fields but none lighting the walkway, Mr Aiderton said. The toilets were hidden from public view as the park was surrounded by buildings. This had led to vandalism and child molesting in the toilets, he said. Residents felt the toilet block could be moved so it was visible from the Milton Street entrance. Mr Aiderton said residents realised that not all the work could be done immediately. The parks and-recreation budget included $BOOO for Bradford Park, said the parks and recreation director, Mr N. W. Drain. The work requested by the residents would cost about $5OOO to $lO,OOO for a

playground, $2OOO to $3OOO for lighting, $lOO for seating and $30,000 for a new toilet block, he said. Councillors acknowledged the need for work in the park. Part of the land did not belong to the council, Mr Drain said. The ownership was uncertain so it was difficult for the council to buy the land. Some residents had rights of access. Cr Noala Massey suggested residents could approach local service clubs for help with facilities. Cr John Burn said he felt the council should do as much as it could with the $BOOO. Other money was available from park lighting and seating budgets. A report on progress at the park was sought from the director in two months time. Skateworld Skaters, who used Skateworld in Restall Street, Papanui, have asked the council for assistance in keeping their club running, now that Skateworld will close. Signatures from 850 people were put to a petition submitted to the council by the member of Parliament for Papanui, Mr Mike Moore. Skateworld is running part time at present but will close once approval is obtained for use of . the building for another ofttiv-

ity. Declining patronage caused the closing. A report on the club and Skateworld said the council was unlikely to give financial support to Skateworld or the club. The council should instead encourage the club to look to alternative buildings. Two such buildings, a Sheffield Crescent warehouse and a factory in Harewood Road, were possibilities. The latter was most promising. An indoor cricket area had been developed and space set aside for indoor bowls and skating. Shared rent would be an advantage to the skating club. The club could apply to the council’s and Waimairi District local grants committee for an establishment grant to assist with development work. Weight training The council may go into the weight-training business. Equipment previously owned by Mr S. Archer, the concession holder for the weight-training gymnasium at Queen Elizabeth II Park, will be bought by the council for $BOOO. Mr Archer offered the equipment to the council because he is going overseas. The training facility was an important asset at the park, the committee was told. It contributed to all

exercises and sports. The equipment was in very good condition and the present value was about $12,000. The council should retain the equipment. Revenue from the gymnasium had been increasing, from $6558 in 1981-82 to $15,182 in 1983-84. This year’s income was expected to be about $20,000. The council’s share of that under the existing concession would be $lO,OOO. Patronage at the gymnasium was growing. The parks and recreation department recommended that the council take full control of the facility, supplying tutors when required. The centre could be supervised by squash centre staff. The committee agreed that the council should buy the equipment and investigate employing a part-time tutor for the gymnasium. Sewers The installation of sewer improvements at Hagley Oval was recommended by the committee. An application from Christchurch High School Old Boys’ Hockey club and on behalf of St Albans Cricket Club, Marist Cricket Club and the Hagley Grounds Committee was received by the committee. The committee has been consifrneed about the inade-

quate effluent disposal from sports clubs facilities for some time. Cost of installation and maintenance of the sewer will be the joint responsibility of the clubs and the Hagley Grounds Committee. It was also recommended the council request the Minister of Lands approve the sports clubs’ right of way and easement over North Hagley Park. Paddle boats After a successful trial during the summer for paddle boats on Lake Victoria, Hagley Park, the committee approved the continued summer use of paddle boats. In spite of bad weather, the Antigua Boatsheds, Ltd, which ran the boats, gave 1160 rides, a net return to the council of $348. The company was given permission to run the paddle boats during the summer for the next three years. The boats had complemented the Summer Times programme and had recognised the potential for such a scheme. Permission was also given for the Canterbury Model Power Boat Club to run the national power boat championship on Lake Victoria in January, 1985. The championship was last held at the lake in 1978. Time and noise levels, were specified by the comnfUtee.