The draft Strategy was approved by Council on 30th October to go out for public consultation. We’ve been receiving feedback since Thursday last week (7th November) and will be continuing to seek feedback until 9th December. 

Some background:

Council conducted an online survey in August 2022 as the first step in the consultation process. The survey asked the community how they want Council to approach the use and development of open spaces and play on Council’s land across the district over the next 30 years. The survey also helped identify issues and opportunities affecting Council’s open spaces. A second survey was conducted in July and August 2023 to help clarify and prioritise some of the points raised in the first survey.

Based on feedback received from the two previous surveys, the draft Open Spaces and Recreation Strategy has been drafted and is ready for final review to make sure we've got it right.

What are open spaces?

• Neighbourhood parks and reserves (close to residential areas)
• Public gardens (flower gardens at Pioneer Park)
• Sports fields, courts and turfs
• Playgrounds
• Greenways
• Walking and cycling tracks/trails
• Skateparks, BMX parks, bike safety parks and pump tracks
• Cemeteries
• Other open spaces

How to provide feedback:

The best way to provide feedback is by the online feedback form on Let’s Talk Open Spaces and Recreation Strategy 2024 | Let’s Talk Central Otago. This is also where you will find the draft Strategy, attachments and a 1-page version of the Strategy. Hard copies are available at all Council Service Centres and libraries.

We are also interested in any feedback from all our education providers around the district. Some schools around the district incidentally provide public open spaces/opportunities for recreation so the views of our schools are particularly relevant for this consultation.

Relevant press release:

Here is a link to a recent press release about the draft Strategy that may interest you.

Next steps in drawing up draft open spaces strategy to begin - Central Otago District Council

Should you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your involvement in this matter and look forward to hearing from you.

Maria Burnett

Parks Officer ‑ Planning and Strategy