The Council is asking for feedback on a draft Play, Active Recreation and Sport strategy that will help ensure people have access to the activities and places they need to be happy and healthy.

Community Services Group Manager Steve Fabish said being active – through play, sport and all sorts of active recreation – fostered connections within the community and had many positive spin-offs.

“When we do these things, we interact with other people in our community and with our environment, so Council needs to support the sector and help keep people active, no matter their age.

“We’ve already talked with local sports clubs, teams and organisations about their key issues and priorities which has helped us to draft the new strategy. Now we want people in the wider community to take a look and tell us what they think.”

The previous strategy focused on the development of the EA Networks Centre, which opened in 2015. Mr Fabish said it was now time for a new plan with a community focus.

“We now have the facility and spaces to support physical recreation, but we need to use those spaces to their full potential and encourage high levels of active participation into the future.”

The vision of the draft Play, Active Recreation and Sport strategy is “everybody included, having fun, being active” and goals include removing participation barriers and encouraging the whole whānau to be involved.

Mr Fabish said four key challenges had emerged from discussions with local groups and organisations.

“They told us that Covid-19 had changed people’s routines and habits, and reduced active participation.

“They also said it was important to maintain opportunities for older people to keep active and socially connected, that digital technology was increasing the sedentary lives of young people and that the cost to participate was a key barrier for organised sport.”

The Play, Active Recreation and Sport consultation document can be viewed online at ashburtondc.govt.nz/haveyoursay.

Copies will be distributed to sports and active recreation groups and can also be requested by contacting Council on 03 307 7700 or submissions@adc.govt.nz.

Submissions will be accepted until 5pm, Sunday 22 May, 2022.