A variety of views were put at a public meeting at Carisbrook, held as part of the Dunedin City Council's consultation on what to do with the ground after the Otago Rugby Football Union (ORFU) moves to the Forsyth Barr Stadium next year.
But one view that came through strongly was not to rush a matter that may have wider effects than expected.
About 35 people attended the meeting, though many were either councillors or council staff.
Mayor Peter Chin reminded the meeting "the ogre out there" was when the ORFU moved, its rental would no longer pay for the debt the council raised when it bought the properties for $7 million.
Sport Otago chief executive John Brimble argued the ground should be retained for sport.
It could be used as a multi-use, multi-sport complex for everything from club rugby to soccer, as a base for Football South, and for secondary school sport.
The buildings could be used as health centres, and possibly for the new South Dunedin library.
Sport Otago did not support an idea of using Bathgate Park for new social housing under a proposal floated at a meeting last week, as it was well used, and a major green space in the suburb.
It was also important the council did not rush any plan, as it would take time to see the effect the new stadium would have, and the future of grounds beside St Kilda and Middle beaches was uncertain with the erosion that was affecting them.
South Dunedin "in its entirety" needed to be considered when a decision was made.
Otago Surveying Company surveyor Chris Milburn explained his idea for a retirement village, something he said would be needed in a city with an increasing population of people over 65.
The corporate-box building was a key, as it was already set up with kitchens, and there was potential to add another level of suites.
Andrew Whylie agreed with the idea of community housing at Bathgate Park, and suggested the Southern Rugby Football Club move to Carisbrook, and the club's building at Bathgate Park be used for the new South Dunedin library.
Submissions on the issue close on July 26.
