Destination Playgrounds survive

Two more Destination Playgrounds and a mini Destination Playground have been added to the council's 10 year plan. Photo / Supplied.

Hamilton's Destination Playgrounds will continue to be built under the council's proposed 10 year budget, although reduced in number.

In the council's original 10-year plan budget he proposed that $3 million of capital expenditure and $1.27 million of operational expenditure be spent on new or upgraded neighbourhood playgrounds, instead of Destination Playgrounds.

However, an amendment by councillor Rob Pascoe ensured that a further two Destination Playgrounds would be built in Hillcrest and Glenview while Garden Place also has the potential to have a Destination Playground.

The amendment would mean the two Destination Playgrounds would be built in year three and five of the 10 year plan.

Mr Pascoe reminded councillors that Hamilton had the third youngest population in New Zealand, according to the 2013 census.

"When I look at what we're doing in our plan around community facilities, I see with the removal of the Destination Playgrounds is that we are moving quite a bit away from looking after those younger people," Mr Pascoe said.

"This amendment goes part of the way to bringing back into the community some support by council for some Destination Playgrounds."

Councillor Angela O'Leary supported the amendment but was sad that the full Destination Playground programme would not be reinstated.

"It is a tough spot to be in to compromise.

"In principal I think this is the wrong decision," she said.

Councillor Mark Bunting said that Hamilton should be a city for the kids.

"My kids love Destination Playgrounds but they want more," Mr Bunting said.

"Destination Playgrounds are fantastic but the flaw in the plan is that they use all the money."

Councillor Dave Macpherson said that Hamilton is not shifting away from playgrounds but focusing on the wider playgrounds of Hamilton.

"I've seen local playgrounds cut out because of the Destination Playground policy," Mr Macpherson said.

The council voted 10 in favour and two against with councillors Garry Mallet and Leo Tooman voting against the amendment.

The amendment then became the motion which was passed 11 in favour to one, with Mr Mallett against.

The plan will go out to the community for consultation after the council completes the draft budget this month.