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PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
8 MAY 1996
A meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee
was held on Wednesday 8 May 1996 at 4.00 p.m.
PRESENT: Councillor Gordon Freeman (Chairman),
Councillors Carole Anderton, Graham Berry,
David Buist, Graham Condon, David Cox,
Ishwar Ganda and Gail Sheriff.
IN ATTENDANCE: Councillors Carole Evans, Patrick Harrow and Ron Wright.
APOLOGIES: An apology for absence was received and accepted from the Mayor. Councillor Freeman retired temporarily from the meeting at 5.43pm during the discussion on clause 11. Councillor Sheriff assumed the chair for this item. The Committee reports that: PART A - MATTERS REQUIRING A COUNCIL DECISION
1. ST JAMES PARK, CROQUET CLUB RR 2765
Officer Responsible Author
Parks Manager Rod Whearty, Area Parks
Officer
Corporate Plan Output: Consents and Applications
The purpose of this report is to obtain Council approval for the St James Park Croquet Club to replace its existing Clubroom facilities on St James Park. CLUB HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
St James Park Croquet Club is a registered croquet club within the Canterbury Croquet Association area. The Club was established in November 1935 and has operated continuously from St James Park, Papanui, for the last sixty years. At present there are 45 active members of the club, some of whom have played for St James for over 25 years and still participate fully. No more than 32 players can play at any one time on the four greens at St James Park and the club have found that a membership of around 45 persons is the ideal.
1. Cont'd
The present clubhouse was built in 1939 by the City Council with "day labour" but was paid for by the club by way of a loan of 420 pounds from the City Council. The clubhouse has given the members excellent service but 56 years use has taken its toll on the building. The club advises that much of the joinery is rotten, cupboards are continually damp, plumbing will need to have extensive work carried out in the very near future, the electric wiring is approaching the end of its serviceable life and borer has infested much of the exposed woodwork. There are serious cracks in the stucco which need attending to and the men's toilet alongside the clubhouse is very antiquated. FACILITY USAGE
The summer croquet season runs from September through to April and the clubhouse and greens are in fairly constant use most days of the week. Normal use would be: * Each Tuesday and Saturday - Club Days - up to 32 players from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. * Thursday and Friday afternoons and Wednesday evenings - Club afternoons - usually around 2 1/2 hours play on a more informal basis. * Sunday mornings - early in the season coaching is held by accredited coaches for new players and others. After the close of the summer season, indoor croquet is played during the winter months. Special covering has been fitted on the floor for this purpose and a miniature form of the game is played. Indoor croquet is held all day Tuesday and on Saturday afternoons. Other activities such as Christmas parties, barbecues and other social events are held in the clubhouse, as well as committee meetings, annual general meetings and the like. Card afternoons are occasionally held during the winter months. The clubhouse is used on a regular basis throughout the year. The present building is nearing the end of its economic life and the club considers that further maintenance is not a viable proposition. The club's Vice President, John MacCormick, has drawn up preliminary plans for a new building. The plan incorporates a number of ideas and suggestions from present members which include a less cluttered playing area for indoor croquet, a more modern and hygienic kitchen, indoor toilets, large windows to view play, and generally a more up-to-date and maintenance-free clubhouse which should benefit the club and future players for a further 60 years.
1. Cont'd
CONSENTS AND APPROVALS
The St James Park Croquet Club is one of a number of clubs that currently has no existing lease agreement with the Council and it would be appropriate for this anomaly to be addressed at this point in time. The leasing of any area of public reserve requires the consent of the Minister of Conservation and the intention to lease the area of land must be publicly notified. The Council's Planning staff have indicated that construction of the new building will require the applicants to obtain a Resource Consent, a Building Consent for the new Clubroom and a consent to demolish the old Clubrooms. When all the necessary approvals have been obtained the Council's Property Unit will prepare a lease agreement on behalf of the club. However all costs associated with the application will be the responsibility of the club. The club will not be able to commence any work until all the approvals have been granted. The contractors undertaking the construction for the club will be required to pay a $2,000 bond while they have access over the reserve to ensure that the area is returned to its former position and any damaged areas are restored. CONCLUSION
The Parks Unit has seen the preliminary design of the new clubrooms and is happy with the current proposal. As indicated in the report the club has been operating at St James Park for a number of years. The Parks Unit is not aware of any major problems associated with the club's activities on the park. Accordingly it is recommended that the application be approved subject to the Club obtaining all the necessary consents and approvals prior to work commencing. The above report was considered by the Shirley/Papanui Community Board at its meeting on 1 May 1996. The Board supported the application and referred the report to this Committee with the following recommendation: That the St James Park Croquet Club's application to build a new clubroom at St James Park be approved subject to the following conditions: 1. The club obtaining a Resource Consent and Building Consent for the new construction. 2. A consent to demolish the old building being obtained. 3. Consent of the Minister of Conservation being obtained prior to any work commencing. 4. The Property Unit preparing a lease agreement once the consent of the Minister of Conservation has been obtained. 5. The design of the building and the exterior colour scheme being the Parks Manager's satisfaction.
1. Cont'd
6. Any landscaping required by the Parks Manager being installed at the club's cost. 7. The contractor undertaking the construction paying a $2,000 bond prior to gaining access. 8. All costs associated with this application being the responsibility of the club and all contractors involved in the development carrying out construction in accordance with the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. 9. Approval to lapse if the development is not completed within 2 years of final approval being granted. Recommendation: That the above recommendation be adopted.
2. APPLICATION FOR OBSERVATION BINOCULAR RR 2713
CRACROFT RESERVE
SIGN OF TAKAHE
Officer responsible Author
Parks Manager Parks Policy and Quality Control
Manager,
Richard Holland
Corporate Plan Output: Consents and Applications
The purpose of this report is to present an application from the Rotary
Club of Linwood/Woolston to install a coin operated Binocular on the
observation point at Cracroft Reserve, Sign of Takahe.
Following the success in Wellington by other Rotary Clubs providing a coin
operated binocular as a facility to aid visitors and provide funding for
community grants made from profits from the binocular, the Linwood/Woolston
Rotary Club considers this a worthwhile fundraising project.
Cracroft Reserve above the Sign of the Takahe is one of the metropolitan parks
on the tourist visitation route. It is also well used by city residents. Tour
buses visit throughout the day and the Club believes that, as commanding views
over Christchurch to the Southern Alps and Seaward Kaikouras are obtained from
the reserve, the binocular will be well used.
As a local service club the Linwood/Woolston Rotary Club has assisted with
both overseas and local community work and grants.
Recently the Club assisted the Parks Unit with the construction of a
footbridge for McCormacks Bay Reserve development and have carried out tree
planting on the Port Hills, Barnett Park and McCormacks Bay.2. Cont'd
Any construction of the binocular must be sturdy, secure and vandal resistant, meeting any New Zealand standards for the safe operation of this equipment, and as such the supply, maintenance, upkeep and servicing of the binocular will be the total responsibility of the Rotary Club. For any commercial venture on a park it is normal to charge a percentage of the gross revenue in recognition that a fee access city park facility is being used to carry out a business or trade. Normally a venture of this type would attract a fee of 5% of the gross value of the revenue. Under Section 54 (1)(d) of the Reserves Act 1977 any business or trade must be necessary to enable the public to obtain benefit of the reserve or for the convenience of persons using the reserve. The Act also requires the Council to advertise the application to give members of the public the opportunity to lodge objections or submissions. SUMMARY
This type of facility will be a great asset to both tourists and the local community who I am sure will obtain benefit from it. Although all profit revenue from the binocular will go back to the community the Council has a policy of charging for commercial use of reserves and that a licence be issued for any use under the Reserves Act provisions. Therefore as the binocular could not operate without the observation structure and infrastructure of pathing through the reserve there should be a 5% licence fee to reflect the use of the site. Many other organisations such as sports clubs lease their building sites on parks and could equally claim to be benefiting the community. Recommendation: That, subject to the advertising requirements of the Reserves Act 1977 being satisfactorily completed, the Rotary Club of Linwood/Woolston be given approval to install a gold coin operated binocular on the observation point on Cracroft Reserve, Sign of Takahe, subject to the following conditions: 1. A licence being issued for a term of five years with a five year right of renewal, under Section 54 (1)(d) of the Reserves Act 1977. 2. The binocular remaining the property of the Rotary Club and all costs involved with its purchase, installation and maintenance being the responsibility of the club. 3. Operation of the binocular meeting any requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act with relation to protection of the public.
2. Cont'd
4. The Rotary Club paying an annual licence rental of 5% of the gross revenue taken by the venture on an annual basis. 5. Construction and design criteria and colour being approved by the Parks Manager prior to installation of the binocular. PART B - ITEMS DEALT WITH BY THE COMMITTEE AND
REPORTED FOR INFORMATION ONLY
4. SUPPLEMENTARY ITEM The Chairman sought the Committee's approval to introduce a supplementary report on the Burnside Park Blossom Orchard. The Chairman explained the reasons why the report had not been included in the main agenda and why it could not wait for the next meeting of the Committee. The Committee resolved that the supplementary report be received and considered at the present meeting.
5. NAMING RIGHTS - W J COWLES STADIUM The Leisure & Community Services Manager submitted a report responding to earlier concerns regarding the ability of the Canterbury Basketball Association to meet its financial commitment to operating W J Cowles Stadium. At its March meeting the Council gave approval for the Canterbury Basketball Association to conclude a naming rights sponsorship package for W J Cowles Stadium and authorised the Leisure & Community Services Manager to conclude the final arrangements associated with the application. The Council, however, referred the public excluded report on this issue back to the Committee for further consideration. In view of this, implementation of the Council's decision was held over until the issues of concern had been investigated. Following the March Council meeting, meetings were held with representatives of the Canterbury Basketball Association and as a result of receiving further information a clearer picture of its financial situation has been ascertained. In general terms the Canterbury Basketball Association is budgeting for a surplus of approximately $4,500 per month through to September 1996. This surplus is over and above its operating costs and includes provision for agreed monthly payments to the existing creditors' pool. From now on the Canterbury Basketball Association has also agreed to work with Council officers on its future financial projections to not only ensure funding is available for off season outgoings, but also to avoid the likelihood of the Association returning to debt.
5. Cont'd
The Chairman and Councillor Cox (Councillor Sheriff was also involved) were to review the situation with the Canterbury Basketball Association Executive and report back. Because of the need to print match tickets and the timing of a sponsorship evening for the team with their major sponsor, Trustbank, it was necessary for a decision to be made by 16 April last. Unfortunately, this date did not fit in with the Council's meeting timetable. In view of this and taking into account Councillors' general acceptance that Canterbury's financial position was sustainable, interim approval was granted for the naming rights request to proceed. A further meeting is still planned with the CBA executive to reinforce the Council's expectations on the future financial management of Cowles Stadium and Canterbury Basketball generally and to conclude their working relationship with Council officers. The Committee resolved that the action taken be confirmed.
6. ANNUAL PLAN AND BUDGET INFORMATION
The Leisure & Community Services Manager submitted a report responding to requests made by Councillors at the Committee's Annual Plan meeting for further information on a number of items in the draft 1996/97 Annual Plan. In receiving this report the Committee resolved that the Leisure & Community Services Manager report to the next meeting of the Committee on the Jellie Park rental review and the Jellie Park window replacement programme.
7. NEW BRIGHTON BEACH PARK LANDSCAPE CONCEPT
The Parks Manager submitted a report updating the Committee on progress on planning for the New Brighton Beach Park. During discussion on this clause concerns were raised regarding the state of repair and general appearance of the New Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club pavillion. The Committee resolved that the Property Manager report back to the Committee on the leasee's obligations in respect of building maintenance.
8. PEACOCK FOUNTAIN RESTORATION
The Parks Manager reported, updating the Committee on the restoration and establishment of the Peacock Fountain at the Botanic Gardens and the arrangements for the official recommissioning of the fountain. The Committee resolved: 1. That the report be received. 2. That a letter of thanks be sent to the Canterbury Branch Committee, Historic Places Trust for its generous donation of $5,000 towards the restoration of the Peacock Fountain.
8. Cont'd
3. That a letter of thanks be sent to IPENZ Engineering Heritage National Committee for its award of an Engineering Heritage Plaque for the Peacock Fountain. 4. That the Committee place on record its thanks to Councillor Lesley Keast for her contribution to the success of this project. 5. That the Parks Manager report back to the Committee on the outcome of the application to Trustbank Community Trust for funding and support together with an update on the fundraising campaign. 9. CURRENT STREET PLANTING POLICY The Parks Manager reported in response to an earlier request of the Committee for details of the Council's current street tree planting and maintenance policy. In receiving the report the Committee resolved that the Parks Manager report back to the Committee on: 1. The feasibility of introducing a "Adopt a Tree" scheme for residents to provide aftercare for new plantings. 2. A breakdown of the replacement plantings into such categories as failed new plantings, replacement of diseased/damaged trees, roading realignment, etc.
10. CHILDREN'S STRATEGY
It was resolved that the Parks Manager report to the Committee on progress in implementing the safer Parks scheme.
11. BURNSIDE PARK BLOSSOM ORCHARD - TENNIS CLUB CONCERNS (SUPPLEMENTARY)
The Parks Manager submitted a report seeking the Committee's approval to initiate the planting of a blossom orchard in Burnside Park in accordance with the Burnside Park landscape plan. The plan was notified by the Council on 14 December 1993. Following the distribution of a start work notice, concerns were raised by the Fendalton Tennis Club about blossom blowing on to the tennis courts. On 22 April 1996, Parks Unit staff met on site with tennis club representatives, Councillor Murray and Community Board member, Graham Catley. It was explained that the proposal to plant a blossom orchard was part of a landscape plan which covered the whole of Burnside Park and which had already been through the full consultative process. Because of this, Parks Unit staff were not in a position to change the plan which had been approved by Council. Parks Unit staff explained that they believed that the planting of the trees will not adversely affect the tennis courts for the following reasons: 11. Cont'd
1. A number of trees are already planted between this area and the courts to catch many of the blossoms if they do blow this far. 2. At their closest point the trees will be planted at least 55 metres away from the existing courts. The only wind which could drive blossoms on to the courts would be a northerly wind and sufficient shelter has already been planted to reduce the incidence of this. 3. The prevailing wind is the north-easterly. Blossom trees to the north-east of the courts will be planted at a distance of nearly 60 metres and this will be sufficient distance to prevent the blossoms from reaching the courts. 4. Strong north-westerly winds can occur during the flowering period. However, the configuration of the proposed blossom tree planting means that blossoms are unlikely to litter the courts. 5. It must be noted that the types of trees proposed only flower for a period of two weeks in very early spring. Any nuisance that may occur by the falling blossoms is therefore for a short length of time. Other concerns raised by the Fendalton Tennis Club included the loss of open space in Burnside Park (the area was used as a practice area by children) and untidy appearances of the long grass between trees. It was confirmed that the proposed siting of the blossom orchard was fully considered in the course of the public consultation on the landscape plan. The Committee concurred with the Parks Manager's view that the planting of a large grove of blossom trees in this area of Burnside Park will be a spectacular feature both in spring and autumn and this colourful addition to the park will be enjoyed by both visitors and city residents. The Committee resolved: 1. That the information be received. 2. That the planting of the blossom orchard in accordance with the approved landscape plan proceed.
12. ITEMS RECEIVED The Committee received the following item: 12.1 BOTANIC GARDEN SIGNAGE
The new signage for the Botanic Gardens was displayed at the meeting for the information as a Committee.
13. ITEM WITHDRAWN
SUGARLOAF TRANSMITTING TOWER At the request of the Property Manager this report was withdrawn. The Property Manager's report setting out the reasons for not pursuing the proposed installation at the present time is contained in the public excluded section of the agenda for the present meeting.
14. RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC It was resolved that the public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting pursuant to clause 7(2)(i) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 to receive a report from the Property Manager on the reasons for seeking the withdrawal of clause 13 above. CONSIDERED THIS 22ND DAY OF MAY 1996.
MAYOR