We are considering what play spaces we should have in the Kaiapoi East area and want to know what you think about a proposal to replace the playground (currently up for renewal) at Currie Park with a new play space at Norman Kirk Park.
Following the 2010/11 earthquakes and subsequent red-zoning of properties, the community dynamic within the Kaiapoi East area has changed significantly and along with this, their associated needs. The remaining community is now serviced by two neighbourhood parks which include playgrounds (Currie Park and Grey Crescent Reserve) as well as the newly developed Norman Kirk Park, Food Forest and wider Regeneration Area all withinclose proximity.
The play space at Currie Park in East Kaiapoi is currently at the point of renewal and previous engagement with the community around this reserve indicated that the play space here is underutilised and could be better located in a more strategic place. This has identified a need to look at the wider context around Currie Park to identify what would best serve this community. Council staff have undertaken an exercise with the Kaiapoi Tuahiwi Community Board to identify potential locations for a play space in this area and are seeking feedback from you on a proposal to retire the play space in Currie Park and create a new play space within Norman Kirk Park.
What we’re proposing:
This proposal would see the ageing play space at Currie Park removed entirely, with the main use of the reserve reverting back to the wider open grass area for kicking balls etc. Instead of replacing this play space with a like for like playground in Currie Park, a new play space would be developed within the nearby Norman Kirk Park. This would be utilised both by the surrounding community and users of the sports fields. This play space would be located between the bund and the softball fields as shown below and is easily accessible from the car park, toilets, sports fields and other activities, such as the dog park and BMX track.
Tell us what you think!
We welcome your feedback on the location of the renewed playground to make sure we’re on the right track before we start drawing up a concept plan. Have your say before 5pm, 22 September 2023.
Next steps
Once feedback closes on 22 September, staff will collate the feedback and provide it within a report for the Kaiapoi-Tuahiwi Community Board who will consider the proposal to move the play space.