Decision on Amenities for Taihape Memorial Park

At their meeting on Thursday, 26 November Council made the final decision on the placement of the new amenities block on Taihape Memorial Park. The location, layout and size has been discussed over many years, with extensive consultation with groups and the public on this issue.

Council had confirmed funding for this project in the 2018-28 Long Term Plan.

The decision made by Council will see a separate amenity building, including provision for security, furniture, fitout and equipment, be located at the end of the netball courts, costing $2.148 million. Council staff will investigate a new tennis/netball court in the vicinity of the former bowling green, as this had been identified as part of the consultation process.

During consultation on the amenities block, the community and park user groups asked for the historic grandstand to be considered for restoration. Council also agreed to include, as part of the consultation for the 2021-31 Long Term Plan, provision to investigate the grandstand’s physical condition for future restoration and refurbishment. This will include seismic and structural surveys, and geo tech and conservation reports, noting there was no budget provision for this work.