Far North District Council has big plans for Moerewa’s Simson Park, with feedback closing on December 17.
Far North District Council has big plans for Moerewa’s Simson Park, with feedback closing on December 17.
A fourth sports field, a shared clubroom building and a large hall that could be used as a gym are among possible changes in a proposed reserve management plan for Moerewa’s Simson Park.
Submissions on the Simson Park Domain Reserve Management Plan close on Wednesday, the park being the keyplace the local community gathers to play, cheer, and celebrate. It’s a place for connection and belonging, where whānau spend time together and manaakitanga shines through, Far North District Council (FNDC) says.
The final draft of the plan is open for feedback, and the council wants people to give their thoughts to help make sure the plan reflects what matters now and for future generations.
The council is also proposing to formally classify a small area of reserve land on Leaity St, next to Simson Park Hall, as a Recreation Reserve. This change would officially recognise how the space is already used as part of Simson Park.
A fourth full-sized winter sports field and an upgraded, multi-purpose court area are planned for Moerewa’s Simson Park.
Comments from the public will inform redrafting of the reserve management plan, and submitters will have the opportunity to appear at a hearing prior to approval of a final plan by the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board.
The FNDC says since the approval of the 1987 Simson Park Domain Reserve Management Plan, changing recreational and other community needs have resulted in extension to the area of netball courts and installation of public gym equipment, as well as the removal of the bowling club, Plunket rooms, scout den, tennis club and an overmature shelterbelt of trees. However, a 1996 draft reserve management plan was not formally approved and also does not represent current use.
Proposed changes to the park that could be supported by the approved reserve management plan include the creation of a fourth sports field, a future shared clubroom building, a larger hall that may include a gym, and access and parking layouts. These changes are not currently funded by the council or other sources.
The process to develop a reserve management plan has been informed by a very strong response from the community that highlighted how important Simson Park Domain is in Moerewa life.
Simson Park Domain Reserve is located centrally in Moerewa and has an area of 6.7ha. The domain is classified as a recreation reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 and is gazetted as “Simson Park Domain”. An additional three parcels of FNDC reserve fronting Leaity St with a combined area of 0.2544ha adjoin and are managed in association with the domain.
