19 October 2016
From playgrounds to play spaces – have your say
Treating the Capital City as one large ‘play space’ is at the heart of Wellington City Council’s review of the city’s
14-year-old Playgrounds Policy.
Wellingtonians are invited to give their thoughts on the draft of a new Play Spaces Policy with public consultation
running until Friday 18 November.
Wellington’s Deputy Mayor-elect and Recreation portfolio leader, Paul Eagle, says the draft policy looks at the
importance of providing for a range of play spaces – from formal, dedicated play areas through to playable space within
the city’s parks and neighbourhoods.
“Wellingtonians love their playgrounds and the many spaces in their communities to play in. We’re looking for any
feedback and ideas that will make what have better and get more people out and having fun.”
Councillor Eagle says the policy doesn’t propose to close any playgrounds around the city. “Playgrounds are at the heart
of many neighbourhoods. Understanding how the city could partner with communities will help us better invest and
maintain a city-wide network.”
Incoming Councillor Jill Day, who will take up the Children and Young People portfolio within the new Council, says she
is pleased to see the Council’s commitment to talking to the wider community about the use of public play spaces.
“With limited play spaces available, it’s important that we are encouraging children to get out and get active. It’s
equally important that wider family groups, schools and early childhood centres are being involved in how the wider
community can best use the city’s communal play spaces.”
The proposed policy is based on ‘five strategic priorities’ that will try and broaden what the Council does and provides
to get more people outside and playing. In addition to providing a well-planned and managed network of the usual formal
playgrounds, court spaces and skate facilities, the Council is looking at how to work better with schools and the
community, how to promote informal play through the idea of ‘the city as a play space’ and how to promote play (and the
value of play) more generally.
Details of the public consultation are now posted on the Wellington City Council website
-wellington.govt.nz/playspacespolicy.
Copies of the consultation documents can also be found at the Council Service Centre at 101 Wakefield Street and local
libraries. Public consultation will run until 5pm Friday 18 November. Oral hearings are scheduled for December, to be
confirmed by the new Council.
The policy will be finalised in 2017.
If you wish to contact the Council direct with any questions please email playspaces@wcc.govt.nz.
ends