One hundred people embraced a chance to play outdoors and talk about the future of recreational spaces in Cromwell on Wednesday (June 11).

Sport Central play and physical education advisor Kate Hamilton ran the day of play from 3.30 - 5pm, setting up inflatables, play equipment, music and activities for youngsters.

Kate said the weather held out and there was a good number of people there.

“There were some very happy faces to light up the afternoon.

“We found some adults without kids came down to ask questions, have their say and understand what the current plans are.”

Attendees were mostly from local early childhood education centres, and Cromwell and Goldfields primary schools.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey, and colleagues Maria Burnett, Kohan Carden and Paula Penno came along to share information about the plans for Cromwell Racecourse and Anderson Park.

There was a tent set up and print outs with information about the CODC consultation on the draft Cromwell Racecourse reserve management plan were available. 

“It’s five degrees out here with snow on the hills, but you’ve got Central Otago kids running around barefoot, taking the odd tumble and absolutely loving it — it’s just great to see. Days like this really show how much our outdoor spaces matter, and how tough, playful, and connected our local tamariki are," Maria said. 

Cooper, one of the youngsters, said it was one of the best days of his life.

“Because there are lots of other people to meet and I love parkour". 

Cromwell has been identified as being short of sports fields and an assessment of demand from 2022 shows the current provision of sports fields is insufficient to meet projected population growth and growing participation in field sports.

Central’s population is forecast to increase by over 26 per cent by 2040, with Cromwell’s population alone expected to grow to more than 8,000 residents, placing pressure on existing reserves and infrastructure.

At the racecourse reserve, medium term (to 2030) there could be provision for four new full-sized sports fields, and long term (to 2045) an additional four fields, enabling up to eight full-sized fields in total.

This development would occur without displacing equestrian users and supports the vision of the site as a future regional sports hub.

The plan also allows for possible future uses such as clubrooms, tournament hosting infrastructure, and community events space.

Early investment in enabling infrastructure, including irrigation, ecological planting, accessways, and utilities, is recommended, alongside further technical investigation into site suitability, drainage, and turf types.

CODC is consulting on the Cromwell Racecourse Reserve management plan (RMP) and wants people to have their say. The last day to submit feedback is July 14. 

Find our more, visit the CODC button on The Central App.

Kate said there was lots coming up in the broader play space, and she was looking forward to getting the draft play strategy from CODC and then getting feedback on it from the public.

"Stay tuned for some play activation for transport, walk and play and more."

Check out The Central App listings for Playgrounds, Cycling l Walking, Places to Visit for more ideas to get outdoors.

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