Community feedback wanted to help shape the future of Simson Park in Moerewa

Far North residents has invited residents to shape Simson Park's future plans. Photo / FNDC

Consultation on a concept plan for the domain is now open and will run until later this month, and the Far North District Council is calling on residents and interested parties to submit their feedback.

Earlier this year, the community shared some great ideas about what Simson Park could become. That feedback helped create a concept plan to guide the Draft Reserve Management Plan, which is long overdue for renewal.

Collaboration has been at the heart of this process, with significant contributions from Te Rōpu Rangatahi o Simson Park, local sports clubs, and the Simson Park Hall Committee, with their ideas and hopes helping to create the concept plan.

Te Rōpu Rangatahi o Simson Park is a rangatahi group, established with support from Healthy Families Far North. This group represents a new level of early engagement with our youth, focusing on how we might involve whānau and the wider community in planning for the future of Simson Park.

The plan suggests smaller projects such as tree planting and informal recreation spaces. It also outlines bigger ideas including new paths for walking, biking, and scootering, a fourth winter sports field, upgrades to the court area, shared clubrooms with facilities, family-friendly recreation spaces, and a permanent softball diamond with movable fencing.

While some of these projects are ready to go, others require more time, planning and funding.

Simson Park is at the heart of the Moerewa community and it’s important the concept plan reflects the public’s vision for its future.

Consultations started on December 9 and close on December 22. Dates for verbal submissions to elected members and the adoption of the Draft Reverse Management Plan are yet to be confirmed.

Take a look at the concept plan and have your say on the Far North District Council’s website. Submissions can also be sent to submissions@fndc.govt.nz, dropped off at any FNDC service centre or library or mailed to Far North District Council, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440, ATTN: Submissions.