Young children are being praised for getting behind the draft Omakau and Ophir Reserve Management Plan.

Public submissions were made between June and August this year and findings show the community’s young people were among those who put their opinions and ideas forward.

Vincent Community Board chairperson Tamah Alley acknowledged the amount of input from children during the board’s meeting on Tuesday.

Cr Alley said there were “a lot” of children who submitted their ideas.

“I think it’s really neat that they had been supported to be part of the process.”

There were 39 submissions received.

There were four areas taken into consideration during the latest consultation - the Omakau Recreation Reserve, Omakau’s Wilson Street Reserve, Ophir Recreation Reserve and Ophir Ice Rink Reserve.

A wide range of topics were highlighted across each area, including a desire to keep hockey, tennis and netball an integral part of the Omakau Recreation Reserve’s future.

There was also consistent support for the proposed community hub to be developed on the reserve, along with a walking track, dog park and football field.

Common themes suggested for Omakau’s Wilson Street Reserve included development of a green space, picnic area and an ice rink.

Further ideas to make use of a building on site, included a library, information centre, a hangout for teenagers or a pet shop.

Suggestions put forward for the Ophir Recreation Reserve included strong support for a multi-use court to benefit locals and tourists.

Council acknowledged the feedback, but pointed out that Ophir was considered “well-serviced” with the Omakau Recreation Reserve’s newly upgraded multi-use astro turf 2.5km away.

Six comments were received from people wanting improvements to Ophir’s existing pool, with requests for a bigger pool, a warmer pool, the addition of a hydroslide and an outdoor hot tub.

There were also calls for the Ophir Ice Rink Reserve to have its ice rink reinstated.

A copy of the Vincent Community Board agenda is now available online.