Editorial: Council made right decision

There is no doubt that something needs to be done with Tauranga's waterfront.

The space is under-utilised and the current carpark is a waste of prime real estate.

But a short-term solution of a children's playground is not the right idea either.

Last month this newspaper reported that Tauranga City Council was to receive a proposal to spend some of the $400,000 put aside this year for the waterfront on a playground and harbourside walkway.

The idea being to get something happening at the waterfront "sooner rather than later".

But this week councillors rejected the plan and the fate of the playground is now in the hands of a new waterfront taskforce.

While the council should be commended for trying to do something with the doomed spot it would have been foolish to spend nearly half a million dollars on a project that may not even be part of the long term plan for the waterfront.

Some comments to this newspaper since the decision was published yesterday have accused the council of not catering for the youth of this city.

However, there are dozens of great playgrounds in every suburb in this city.

The Strand reclamation already has an under-utilised water fountain that cost a few hundred thousand.

Why do we need another playground - in a potentially dangerous location next to a carpark and railway line - when we don't even know what the future of the waterfront area holds?

At Monday's meeting, councillor Larry Baldock successfully pressed for the formation of a new waterfront taskforce.

The group will focus on development, which combines options from Priority One's semi-commercial vision for the waterfront, with the council's master plan of a more open green space - including a playground and walkway.

The suggestion of a playground last month was meant to be something that could be achieved at least cost with minimum consents - but what about when that money is needed in future and it's already been spent?

If a playground is decided to be in the final plan, then so be it.

Councillors have made the right decision in rejecting the short-term proposal.

This city cannot afford to spend money on a playground that may have a very limited lifespan.

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