Introduction
The Alex Moore Park Development Project is a focus on what is needed in the Northern Suburbs of Wellington by way of community and sport facilities and fields. This outline is a overview of where the project stands as of November 2010 and will be added to as significant or key events occur.
Background
Johnsonville and the surrounding suburbs have a population of 25,000 as at the 2006 census with a median age in the low 30's, a huge catchment of nearly 50% in the 15 to 34 age group, income variables ranging from $57k to $100k and a high proportion of married families. Based on those statistics alone it would appear the Northern Suburbs community facilities should be both modern and numerous. Unfortunately they are neither with little recent development between the Southern Suburbs of Wellington and Porirua.
Following on from the census returns the Wellington City Council's Northern Reserves Management Plan, suggested implementation of high density housing and the Johnsonville Mall redevelopment. All tangible examples of growth that is still to come. This increase in housing density is likely to exacerbate even further this community's real rather than perceived recreational need. This growth is supported through the Northern Growth Management Framework (introduced in 2003) that identifies the northern suburbs as providing for Wellingtons future growth. This framework is based on a population growth rate of 9,000 over the next 20 years in the northern area.
A more detailed scan of Northern Suburbs community shows some key items, such as the Keith Spey Swimming Complex, but limited provision of recreational facilities that support active residents in general, and young people in particular. We believe there is a demonstrable immediate need for modern, quality, sport related facilities and that proposition was the start of the Alex Moore Park Project.
The Beginning
Five sporting clubs (Olympic Harriers, Johnsonville Cricket, Johnsonville Softball, North Wellington Junior Football and North Wellington Senior Football) and their membership base of over 2,000 persons plus parents and supporters have worked together for more than three years around such issues with a view to combining resources and being based together in one common facility.
As with many other sporting organisations in New Zealand, these clubs have experienced a common theme of rising costs, (Affiliation fees, utility bills, maintenance and repairs) inefficient building utilisation (one to two days per week and sometimes only used for part of the year as well) and generally being forced into devoting too much attention to maintaining a physical asset rather than administering the actual sport itself.
The preferred concept of shared sport and community partnerships is an established New Zealand and international model, commonly referred to as "Sportville". Wellington City Council commissioned Peter Burley of Christchurch to undertake a Sportville review of this particular project and it is because of this work that the clubs were able to unite and overcome many obstacles (Refer to www.sportguidance.co.nz for background information and to view a SPARC sponsored study of eight other organisations around the country). The Alex Moore Park project is one of at least five Sportville projects underway in the Wellington region at the present time. Detailed building concept plans have been drawn up and Wellington City Council has also indicated it’s "in principle" support of the intention to build a community focused facility on Alex Moore Park.
In order to progress our community needs the founding clubs created a new legal entity (Alex Moore Park Sport and Community Inc.) which acts as the umbrella organisation for the clubs and will be responsible for completing the project, managing the complex and expanding on development initiatives for the benefit of the five clubs as well as additional clubs, schools and community organisations who may like to join the society or use the "whole of park" facilities. Although up to eight board members can be elected or appointed the basic principle is that no "founding club administrators" should be part of the Alex Moore Park Board. This goes some way towards guaranteeing objectivity and real needs for the park are the two driving forces behind the project rather than any sporting code politics.
The Board
The Alex Moore Park Sport and Community Board has now been elected and appointed – the makeup of the board is as attached. None are involved at any significant level with our founding clubs. We are now focused on addressing the demand for good quality sport and community facilities more fitting of the Northern Suburbs wants and needs. The Board is currently focused on:
- Development of the project from an idea into reality
- Economic viability – fund raising and long term sustainable funding streams
- Good governance and management, and
- Quality Community Relationships
The Board meets monthly and has set the following foundations for our progress towards this development.