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| September 2001 |
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When an 'adoption' takes place
They were members of the Somerfield Residents’ Association, and were part of the City Council’s Adopt-A-Park scheme. The group has already adopted Somerfield Park and the Council has about 50 groups that have adopted parks or cemeteries. Under this scheme Christchurch residents have a greater say in how their local parks are planned, developed and managed. The scheme is giving many residents an increased sense of ownership of their parks and it has met with a positive response. There are two categories of adoption. One is where a group forms an incorporated society or trust to adopt a park, a group of parks or a cemetery. These groups may charge a membership fee, raise funds, hold their own bank accounts, and have aims and objectives as part of their rules - which have to be to the Council’s satisfaction. Meetings are held regularly with minutes kept and a Council parks staff member advises or is represented on the management committee. Normally this category caters for large metropolitan type parks and cemeteries. Some parks in this category are of historical importance, such as the Edmonds Factory Garden or important conservation areas. The Travis and Bexley Wetlands are among these. Some of these groups have sponsorship to develop the park or cemetery further. The day-to-day maintenance, provision of finance and administration remains with the Parks and Waterways Unit. The second category of adoption in the Adopt-A-Park scheme is at a lower level involving schools, residents group, local businesses and such like who work in the park and cemeteries to keep a general watch over them. These groups assist the Council in litter collection, planting, reporting vandalism and other matters. The day-to-day maintenance, provision of finance and administration is again with the Parks and Waterways Unit. Once established, all groups work to their own level, in co-operation with Council staff. Members are often honorary wardens who assist the Council by keeping a close eye on the park or cemetery. Anyone interested in adopting a park or cemetery, or a group of parks, can contact a Council Parks and Waterways’ area advocate at a Service Centre. |
