New doors open in Otahuhu for recreation and youth

AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

17 March 2006

New doors open in Otahuhu for recreation and youth

Auckland City is pleased to announce the opening of its newest community facility, the Otahuhu Recreation and Youth Centre, on 1 April 2006.

The $5 million complex, located on Fairburn Reserve, Mason Avenue, aims to provide a hub for the local community. Facilities include a multi-use sports hall, fitness and weights centre and a youth drop-in centre.

Elements that reflect the diversity of Otahuhu's community and sense of place have been incorporated into the design, including the curved roof, which is symbolic of an up-turned waka, banana leaf or flax basket. The roof is supported by poles in order to create the impression of fishing poles leaning against the building.

The centre will be managed by the YMCA on behalf of Auckland City. They currently hold contracts to ten of Auckland City's recreation centres and swimming pools.

There will be a two-week gap (from 17 March to 1 April) between the old centre closing and the new one opening.

Chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, Councillor Penny Sefuiva, says, "We are really excited to see this project come to fruition and hope that the residents will come along to the formal opening of the centre on 11 April at 3.30 pm to have a look at the finished product.

"The centre has been designed to provide for the current and future needs of the Otahuhu community. We hope they get involved right from day one and make the most of the facilities."

Auckland City has identified additional funding to ensure that the centre is able to offer a wide range of affordable programmes and activities aimed at engaging youth and increasing participation.

The new recreation and youth centre comes as a result of ongoing studies carried out by the council which clearly indicated that Otahuhu needed:

• a new recreation centre combined with a youth centre

• a small aquatic centre

• a bigger library which provides more room to cater for children, teenagers and adults

• possibly a bigger community centre.

A master plan was then developed with help from Otahuhu residents. Key members of the Otahuhu community worked with the design team and council received over 40 written submissions as well as numerous verbal comments during the master planning process.

The next phase of the 20-year master plan to be considered is the construction of the new aquatic centre, which will include a 25m pool and a learners pool. This will be followed by the library and community centre.

ENDS