Now’s the time to get dreaming about what you think the future of open spaces looks like for the Whakatāne District.
Whakatāne District Council is calling on people to think big as it today launches a new project - Mā koutou, mā tatau - Our People, Our Spaces.
The project incorporates two streams of work – the development of a People and Places Strategy and the Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub Master Plan.
The People and Places Strategy will consider the open space requirements for current and future communities, to ensure effective decision-making on the management, development, acquisition, and divestment of open space.
The Rex Morpeth Recreation Hub master plan will outline the future use and development of the 17 hectares of recreational space within Rex Morpeth Park and Rugby Park. This will include a development option for the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall, to ensure the provision of a suitable multipurpose facility for use during the next 30 years and beyond.
General Manager Community Experience, Georgina Fletcher, says Mā koutou, mā tatau brings exciting opportunities for communities to have input into the way we plan for the future of open and recreational spaces.
“We’re really looking forward to working with our communities, alongside our tangata whenua partners, to plan the future of these spaces across the district. We want to understand the aspirations of all those who love and use these spaces and the possibilities for enhancing them.
“The Whakatāne rohe/district is rich in open spaces. It’s a large part of the reason why people choose to live here, and we know the War Memorial Hall complex and central parks and playing fields in Whakatāne are places that draw people from far and wide for a range of sports, arts and cultural activities.”
Council has recently entered a contract to purchase the property at 7 Russell Street, Whakatāne which will provide future access options to the Recreation Hub.
Georgina highlights that the project isn’t about starting from scratch but building on and enhancing what’s already there. “We know people have many different reasons for interacting with our open spaces and facilities. The more we understand about those interactions, the better we can identify gaps and improvements to better meet the needs of our people in our spaces. As communities grow, our open spaces and facilities play a really important role in community wellbeing”
It’s vital Council hears from all users of its much-loved community spaces and facilities. Opportunities to join the discussion will begin around mid-March, with multiple ways for people to get involved in helping set the future direction across these exciting projects. Keep an eye out for further information in the coming weeks.