The Dunedin City Council recently started the process of installing a half basketball court in Warrington, but had received complaints from some in the community opposing the construction, so the community board was requested to either approve or decline the project.
The board heard submissions from several community members, and learnt about a local petition in support of the basketball court that had been circulated at the Blueskin A&P Show the previous weekend.
Council culture and recreation general manager Jeanette Wikaira and parks and recreation group manager Heath Ellis were on hand to listen to the discussion, answer questions from the board and hear the decision.
Warrington resident Sam Jewell, a father of three young boys, was in full support of the court. He said the local area had a playground for small children, but there was "not a lot" for adolescents to use for play.
The tarmac could be multi-purpose, becoming somewhere youngsters could ride their skateboards and scooters, as there were no footpaths in the township.
He shared statistics that basketball was set to become the most popular sport played at New Zealand secondary schools by next year, and highlighted the need for young people to get more active.
Fellow local Johnny Simmons, also a father of three young boys, was firmly in support of the court. He said his family was outdoorsy and would enjoy the opportunities for activities it would provide.
"It would be great to have an outside activity, like playing basketball, that we can do together.
"As a Warrington resident, I welcome the investment form the council."
Speaking as a private citizen, Cr Mandy Mayhem told the board about the petition in support of the court, which had been circulated at the Blueskin A&P Show and had attracted 145 signatures — the vast majority from local people.
She also shared some of the supportive comments from the local facebook page, which included "love this", "great for the area", "fantastic news" and "good that money is being spent".
The board also heard from Warrington resident Reece Owen, whose family lives close to the site, and who opposed the building of the court.
"I know there is a lot of community support for it, but personally I would prefer something that doesn’t make noise — like a pump track."
The father of four said the main concern was the potential for noise and bouncing balls late at night, particularly in the summer. He suggested some possible compromises, such as artificial turf, moving the court further from houses and signs.
Following the community presentations, the board asked questions of Ms Wikaira and Mr Ellis, who said the construction of the court was part of an ongoing programme for the council. The project was the result of community consultation back in 2020.
Mr Ellis said nine half basketball courts had been installed across Dunedin, and had proven very popular with local communities.
Board members asked if it might be possible to address the concerns of some in the community by installing signs or low fencing to ensure safety. The council officials offered to look into it.
Moving on to their decision, board members agreed that although there were some concerns about possible noise, there was widespread community support for the court.
It was also a positive for the community to have investment from the council in play facilities, they said.
The board members present — chairman Alasdair Morrison, deputy chairman Andy Barratt, members Geraldine Tait, Mark Brown and Chris McBride — voted unanimously to approve the building of the half basketball court in Warrington.
