Category: News

A Tale of Two Tracks

Q. What kind of track can be purchased for approx $90,000 as a community resource for the local children in Shirley & Northcote?
A. Temporary/Modular/48m/10yr life expectancy track (delayed, still in transit) to be installed in Richmond, not in MacFarlane Park/Shirley. Permanent/Asphalt/400m (already installed) for Northcote (also includes a fleet of bikes, helmets & bike storage facility). Two vastly different tracks & outcomes for the children, schools & communities in the Papanui-Innes Ward.

Today Northcote children are able to enjoy their permanent asphalt bike/scooter track around the perimeter of their school ($44,400 for approx 400m).
I recently saw photos of their track on Facebook & thought that track looks great, we could put a track like that around the perimeter of Shirley Primary School, so how do we get that resource for the children of Shirley? Through a bit of online research I was able to find out that thanks to the ‘Bikes in Schools’ initiative and funding from NZTA $40,000 & Papanui-Innes Board $8,000.

Meanwhile for over a year, I have been advocating for a permanent/asphalt track in MacFarlane Park. I emailed the Board two location suggestions based on living in Shirley for 8 years & walking through MacFarlane Park every weekday. I contacted the business involved in creating the #detour track in Manchester St for a price range & to understand the construction process.
During my online research, it was frustrating to find that the Shirley community has been waiting since 2001 (the CCC consultation report says the early 1990s) for a skate/scooter/bike park in MacFarlane Park (https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/papanui-innes-skate-facilities/).
Currently the temporary modular pump track ($87,450 for 48m track, life expectancy: 10 years) has been delayed coming from Europe, and is expected to arrive at the beginning of March, to be installed at 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve, in Richmond.

I do not understand why the Papanui-Innes Board didn’t suggest the ‘Bikes in Schools’ initiative to Shirley Primary School, when the petition was presented in August 2018, or at the meeting in May 2019 when the Board discussed my correspondence & Northcote School’s DRF application, or in September 2019 when I emailed the Board my new suggestion, before they approved the purchase of the temporary modular pump track?

Shirley Track: Background
– August 2018: Petition (“Do you want a scooter, skate and bike park for Shirley? We want to ask the Christchurch City Council if we can put one in MacFarlane Park.”) presented to the Papanui-Innes Board, signed by 29 students & 1 teacher from Shirley Primary School.
The Board “requests a report with options on the funding and installation of a pump track in Shirley.”
– December 2018: ‘Modular Pump Track Shirley’ Report presented to the Board, includes 3 options for location, but no options for the type of pump track to be installed.
Staff Recommendations: “Support a 2021–2031 Long Term Plan bid for a modular pump track at Shirley Community Reserve.”
Community Board Resolved: “2. Support a modular pump track at 10 Shirley Road (the Shirley Community Reserve) and request that the Parks Team explore alternative funding to action the project within the financial year. 4. That the Board engage with the local education facilities, residents and community groups to encourage involvement and fund raising.”
– December 2018: Nor’West News article “’Temporary pump track not good enough’: A Shirley Primary School pupil says the push to install a temporary pump track is not the option he wants.”
– February 2019: Emails to the Board, see Timeline (https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/proposed-pump-track-for-shirley/)
– March 2019: Email to Council opposing the 2018/19 Capital Endowment Fund Applications: Shirley Pump Track (https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/03/CNCL_20190328_AGN_3367_AT.htm#PDF3_Attachment_22966_2)
“I am concerned the Council are being asked to approve allocating ‘a grant of $87,850 from the 2018/19 Capital Endowment Fund’ on a facility that is: temporary not permanent, and located at 10 Shirley Road/Shirley Community Reserve not within MacFarlane Park, and not the type of track or location that Shannon & those that signed the petition asked for.”
Council Resolved: “Approve a grant of $87,850 from the 2018/19 Capital Endowment Fund to the Parks Unit for a modular pump track initially located at the Shirley Community Reserve.”
– May 2019: Board meeting, Item 7. Correspondence, Attachments: Joanna Gould re 10 Shirley Road, Modular Pump Track and Picnic Table (https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/05/PICB_20190510_AGN_3219_AT.htm#PDF3_Attachment_23322_1)

Northcote Track: Background
– May 2019: Board Meeting (at the same meeting where my correspondence was included in the agenda) Item 10. 2018-19 Discretionary Response Fund Application – Northcote School (Decision Matrix: https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/05/PICB_20190510_AGN_3219_AT.htm#PDF3_Attachment_23238_1)
“‘Bikes in Schools’ (https://bikeon.org.nz/bikes-in-schools/) package ($95,000) includes: a fleet of new bikes (four different sizes), a bike helmet for every child (140), a combination of riding, pump and bike skills tracks and a bike storage facility.
The cost to build a track approximately 400 meters in length is $44,400. Other Sources of Funding: $40,000 New Zealand Transport Agency.”
Staff Recommendations: “Approves a grant of $7,000 from its 2018-19 Discretionary Response Fund to Northcote School towards the ‘Bikes in Schools’ initiative.”
Community Board Resolved: “Approves a grant of $8,000 from its 2018-19 Discretionary Response Fund to Northcote School towards the ‘Bikes in Schools’ initiative.”

Northcote Track: Outcome
– May 2019: Nor’West News article, “On Track To Get Kids On Bikes” Pg 3 (https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/62674055/norwest-news-may-28-2019)
– May 2019: Neighbourhood Links – Northcote/Redwood Facebook Page: “This is a fantastic initiative which involves building a bike track around the perimeter of the school, providing bikes and helmets for students to use, and storage facilities for the bikes. The track will be a great asset for the community as a whole, as it will be available for use by the wider community out of school hours. I’m so supportive of anything that gets our kids out and about and active, and look forward to Northcote School raising the remainder of the funds so that this project can be completed.”
Emma Norrish – Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board Member
– January 2020: “I took a quick detour on my ride home from a meeting this afternoon to do a lap of the brand new bike/scooter path at Northcote School. This is such a great asset for the school and our local community, which our Waipapa/ Papanui Innes Community Board was proud to help fund. The school has joined the national Bikes in Schools Programme, which provides access to well-maintained bikes and a safe environment for children to regularly practice their cycling skills whilst building their fitness and confidence.”
Emma Norrish – Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board Member, Facebook Post

Shirley Track: Outcome
– July 2019: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-shirley-community-reserve-consultation/
– July 2019: https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-shirley-community-reserve-feedback/
– August 2019: Shirley Community Reserve Temporary Pump Track – ‘Have Your Say’ Consultation, Submission table and staff responses (https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/09/PICB_20190913_AGN_3227_AT.htm#PDF3_Attachment_24065_6)
– September 2019: Email to the Board, Item 9. Shirley Community Reserve – temporary pump track location. “5. New Suggestion: The Board could engage with Shirley Primary School & their Board of Trustees, to work together with them to create a permanent bike/pump track in the Shirley Primary School grounds. This would address a number of the issues highlighted by the submitters in No 1. & 2. above, that can not be resolved at the Shirley Community Reserve, 10 Shirley Road site in Richmond. This could be a community lead project that connects the community through active participation involving: the School, Board of Trustees, pupils, community, NZTA?, Ministry of Education?, Bike On ‘Bikes in Schools’?, fundraising, working bees and sponsorship opportunities. This suggestion would create a much needed and long awaited local facility in the local Shirley community, providing easy and safe access for all the children of Shirley. The Board could also engage with Banks Avenue School & their Board of Trustees, to work together with them to create a permanent bike/pump track in the new Banks Avenue School grounds, on the former Shirley Boys High site in the Innes Ward.” (PapanuiInnesCommunityBoard130919Item9ShirleyCommunityReservePumpTrack.pdf)
– September 2019: Board Meeting, 9. ‘Shirley Community Reserve – temporary pump track location’ Report presented to the Board, on ‘Have Your Say’ consultation feedback (https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/09/PICB_20190913_AGN_3227_AT_WEB.htm)
“4.3 There has been demand for a skate, scooter and bike park in the Shirley area identified through various community research papers since the early 1990s.” [Site: 10 Shirley Road, Shirley Community Reserve is in Richmond not Shirley. Shirley children will have to cross Shirley Road on the controlled crossing/red light runners.]
Attachment F, Shirley Community Reserve temporary pump track, Community Views and Preferences (https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/09/PICB_20190913_ATT_3227_PLANS_WEB.htm)
“1.2 Not what the community asked for, Want a community centre, The track is too expensive, Safety concerns over having to cross a busy road.
1.3 A permanent skate park/pump track would cost three or four times more than a temporary pump track.
A temporary pump track is both quicker and cheaper to install and it could remain in place for up to 10 years [life expectancy] if that’s what the community want.
The temporary pump track funding has been granted through the Council Capital Endowment Fund…as the track is relocatable, it is considered to be good value for money.
1.8 Geographical distribution of responses: 71 total, 24 from Richmond, 14 from Shirley, 6 Other/walking distance, 27 from Greater Christchurch.
Richmond: 24 submitters, 17 support, 6 don’t support, 1 did not indicate
Shirley: 14 submitters, 13 support, 1 don’t support
Other: 6 submitters, 5 support, 1 did not indicate
Greater Christchurch: 27 submitters, 25 support, 2 don’t support”
Community Board Resolved: (original Staff Recommendation accepted without change)
– 19 October 2019: “Plans Approved: On Friday 13 September 2019, the Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board approved the proposal to install a temporary pump track and multi-use table at Shirley Community Reserve. We are planning to have the pump track ready to use by the end January 2020. We also expect the multi-use table to be in place by this time.” (https://www.ccc.govt.nz/the-council/consultations-and-submissions/haveyoursay/show/252)
– 31 January 2020: “Update: Unfortunately, due to unexpected shipping delays the pump track should arrive in the country at the start of March. Early site works are expected to begin the last week of February and it should be ready for use by the end of March. The multi-use table is planned to go in at the same time.” (https://www.ccc.govt.nz/the-council/consultations-and-submissions/haveyoursay/show/252)
– 31 January 2020: “We had a briefing in our Community Board meeting this morning. In three weeks time the fences will be going up to start ground works at the site. The track is due to arrive in the country on the 2nd March, and staff have said they are aiming to have it operational by 17th March. The change in timeline is due to a slight delay with the procurement process, which led to the track being shipped after Christmas rather than before Christmas. It is coming from Europe as modular pump tracks like this are not available in our part of the world.”
Emma Norrish – Waipapa/Papanui-Innes Community Board Member, RADS Facebook Page

Toi Ōtautahi Christchurch Arts Strategy

PDF: CCC Draft Arts Strategy by Joanna Gould | June 2019

Q. What does “Toi Ōtautahi – Strategy for Arts and Creativity in Ōtautahi Christchurch” have to do with a new centre being built at 10 Shirley Road?
A. “In Christchurch, we have many different opportunities to ‘observe’ the arts/creativity, but few opportunities to ‘participate’ in the arts/creativity, for our identity, well-being & learning.
We need arts/creativity access for all ages and stages of life, for every resident and every visitor to Christchurch. Shirley Centre: inclusive centre, library with learning spaces, available for anyone in the community to use.”

Toi Ōtautahi – Strategy for Arts and Creativity in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Item 19. Toi Ōtautahi – Strategy for Arts and Creativity in Ōtautahi Christchurch
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/08/CNCL_20190822_AGN_3376_AT.PDF
– Pages 201 to 209, Council Staff Report
– Pages 210 to 223, Toi Ōtautahi – Final
– Pages 224 to 264, Toi Ōtautahi – Submissions*
* My submission is on Pages 245 to 250.
CCCDraftArtsStrategyJune2019JoannaGould.pdf

“Where is our Community Centre” Petition

“Our communities lost our well used and well loved community centre at 10 Shirley Rd, following the February 2011 earthquake. We need a new community facility to serve the wider communities of North Richmond, Shirley, Mairehau, Edgeware and St Albans east of Cranford Street. We the undersigned, request that Christchurch City Council work with us to rebuild our beloved community centre as soon as possible.”
https://www.facebook.com/Where-is-Our-Community-Centre-101495294547442/

Please sign/share this petition to ask the Christchurch City Council, for a new community facility to be built at 10 Shirley Road, Richmond, Christchurch. Thanks for your support!

https://www.change.org/p/christchurch-city-council-a-community-centre-for-north-richmond-shirley-mairehau-edgeware-st-albans-east

Below are the comments from supporters, sharing why signing this petition is important to them:

– “These places are hubs for community activities, and communities are so much stronger with them. Its such a shame this hasn’t been rebuilt.” Robyn W.

– “This is a important asset to the Eastern Communities” Roger E.

– “A Community Centre is a truly under estimated asset to any community. They become a major part of the community and used by many different groups. This type of centre impacts many different groups positively so to have our community centre back is a necessity to our area.” Rachael D.

– “This used to be a great facility when I had my first child…would love other young parents to enjoy it as well.” Muz M.

– “I live in Mairehau and think we need this community centre.” Rachel S.

– “Richmond lost a lot of amenities after the quakes. There appears to be no intention by the CCC to invest in our suburb to bring back what we have lost. Please reconsider bringing back our community centre.” Laura M.

– “We need our Community Centre back which will make our area feel like a community again.” Fione N.

– “We were promised a replacement facility and this has not happened while other areas have had their centres built. What has happened to the insurance money from this facility? Many groups are missing out while we wait.” Sue L.

– “Community is the core to our Society, it was a priority Ten Years ago, it’s now the Priority…” Dorothy B.

– “Christchurch needs to look after its own.” Lyn S.

– “Loss of community hubs stripped the heart from us, let’s put one back.” Matthew H.

– “This use to be my community and others have their community centres re built.” Tiffani F.

– “It’s needed. Please rebuild.” Maree B.

– “Community centre is the hub of the area. Plse fix the centre/ heart of the area.” Lorraine H.

– “This is defiantly needed community place for all and a great location we need this for the community.” Tracey N.

– “I’m signing because I believe community centres are so necessary in having and maintaining a core community. I went to many courses in this centre, and it easy dearly missed.” Amanda H.

– “We need to have more centers like this to help people not swimming pools.” Paula S.

– “I feel this is important for the community.” Sharon C.

– “use to live near this as a child and had great days playing at the park near this what a shame to pull it down.” Tracie J.

– “I totally agree with the need for a new community centre for this area.” Alison F.

– “The community needs a hub. So much has been taken from us and not replaced.” Susan G.

– “The community needs this back!” Debbi F.

– “The old community centre was well used and has been missed by the locals.” Marina P.

– “Every suburb needs a community centre. I have good memories of this building when it hosted weight watchers.” Rose M.

– “This needs to be replaced for the Community.” Alison P.

– “A community Centre for North Richmond, Shirley, Mairehau, Edgewater & St. Albans East!” Shannon W.

– “I’m signing this because its what the community wants.” Justin M.

– “Shirley is a valuable community and has lost so much throughout the earthquakes and needs a community building. Its sad that they have reneged on the replacement building. Its time they showed the people in this area that they aren’t forgotten and do matter. A community building would be a valuable asset for the area with a multitude of uses and it has been sorely missed.” Selina K.

– “This community centre was a great resource for my child, pre 2011 earthquake. We went to music sessions & other parent/child centred sessions held here with the parent centre. I would like other local families to have same.” Charlotte P.

– “This community center was a well used, well lived asset to the community, it should be replaced if anything it’s needed more than ever with all the infill housing in the area.” Christine M.

– “No community should be stripped of essential services. Especially when the demand for these services is on the increase due to the direction NZ is going.
Accessibility to mental health services is critical and it only takes a walk through this suburb to see how many people here would be in need of this community center.
The sheer thought that this has not been prioritized over the likes of the copious amounts of bike lanes in Christchurch is beyond me. Very sad!” Sophia N.

– “Our communities require somewhere anyone can go for support with many issues and not feel judged or looked down upon. This is incredibly important especially in these hard times.” Monica G.

– “Having a centre would be a wonderful addition to the community.” Jo H.

– “Because this area sorely need a new community centre, preferably similar to the previous one, which had facilities for learning pottery & other arts & crafts, plus various other activities. There is nowhere locally suitable at present.” Sue W.

– “In support of a re- build or new community centre to be built. Come on Christchurch City Council. How about the CEO and city councillors taking a salary cut to get projects like this one off the ground?” Karilyn B.

– “We need somewhere local for everyone to meet up and enjoy each others company.” Judy K.

– “Come on CCC you said you would do this, please do the honorable thing and follow through.” Meredyth A.

– “Valuable community asset.” Helen C.

– “The community need their centre rebuilt, it is the Hub for many organisations and helps so many people. Health, welfare, mental well-being is so important. Too many have been affected and suffered due to the Earthquake and now COVID. Please listen to the people.” Miriam G.

– “We need community… So Where’s our community centre!?” Anneke M.

– “Very important for the welfare of all residents.” Donald K.

– “You said you would rebuild this centre; keep your promises. Building ridiculous memorials that we didn’t vote for will not appease those of us who suffered through all the earthquakes.” Nola R.

– “Our suburb has been asset stripped by CCC.” Jacqueline T.

– “Used to be Centre Coordinator at SCC and later organised and attended Adult Education classes there through SBHS. Our community needs this facility back.” Fiona B.

– “Don’t you think our communities have lost enough? Christchurch almost lost it’s identity, but the communities held us together. It’s getting harder and harder to do as the years drag on. We all need some semblance of normality back to grow strong again.” Jennifer P.

– “I’m signing in because I think the City Council Staff and elected members need to place more value on community engagement as to what the residents of the communities actually want in their neighbourhoods. Greater engagement will foster greater buy in for new projects, rather than force feeding initiatives and reports written by Council “experts” who don’t actually live in the neighbourhoods, and without actually canvasing the residents. It boils down to democracy and basic manners.” Greg P.

– “I believe in this.” Naohmi C.

– “Every community need a hub.” Penny M.

– “We need a new community center around here. I miss the pottery classes.” Jackie C.

– “I’m signing because our kids need more access to community ventures in our area. I’m signing because every community needs a hub.” Milly S.

– “I live just few doors down from where the Community Hall was…we lost SBHS where there were community classes…we need a community hall to bring a sense of neighborhood…& classes…” Hester de T.

– “Communities require hubs. Communities must develop an identity, without our own culture we are not enhancing our personal and community well-being along with community safety.” Sue P.

– “I would like to see the Community Centre reinstated for the benefit of the local Residents. A facility which encourages local participation and engagement would be warmly embraced in this resource depleted area.” Shirley S.

– “The centre used to be so busy before the quakes and shows that the community still needs a space.” Lucinda L.

– “It has been 8 and a half years since our community centre was destroyed in the February 2011 earthquake. It’s unbelievable that there are no plans to rebuild this once vibrant and well used centre. I am frustrated by the lack of priority given to repairing assets this area and the inequity in funding across the city.” Jane H.

– “Every community needs a Community centre. Shirley has lost so much, please reinstate our hub.” Susan G.

– “I am a resident of Richmond.” Benjamin E.

– “The community needs this back. This us a big loss to community groups in the area.” Tania M.

– “I grew up in this area and walked passed that community centre everyday on my way to school, I attend numerous activities within its walls over the years and I do believe my Grandfather attended primary school there before it was a community centre. Having a community centre is valuable for the residing residents.” Roxy T.

– “This community centre is much needed.” Mandi S.

– “I was a resident of the Shirley area and often used the Community Centre. A lot has changed since then and a new community centre would give back some much needed community spirit!” Anne M.

– “Having grown up in this area, I can only support these communities in their endeavor to heighten wellbeing and resilience though meeting and activity space. Kia kaha” Rik T.

– “I’m signing because we have lost our community amenities almost entirely since the quakes, with no hope of regaining them either, so i know how bad it is to be without them.” Alma R.

– “When I lived in Avonside til EQS used to go there all the time as our Canterbury Branch Family History centre was there.” Yvonne H.

– “Community centres are essential. Our area needs to be looked after.” Georgina C.

– “Shirley Community Centre (former Shirley Primary School) was built in 1915, and it became a place for: Cultural, Educational and Recreational Activities. Since the earthquakes we have seen our schools closed, rebuilt and relocated. We have seen the demolition of the original Shirley Community Centre in 2012, and our community has become disconnected and displaced. We need a new Centre built at 10 Shirley Road.” Joanna G.

– “I’m signing because community facilities are an essential part of building healthy supportive community groups and would like to point out that this type community rebuilding asset is the kind of thing that post-quake donations were intended for – not for shifting the Christchurch cenotaph.” Patricia W.

– “Reinstatement of this community hub is vital to the mental and physical health of the community.” Judith H.

– “We have lost so many amenities in our area since the earthquakes. We don’t need to lose our community centre as well. Our community centre needs to be reinstated.” Margaret S.

– “This area lost so much in the Earthquake and after the Earthquake. We want our community centre back.” Jennifer D.

CCC Draft Annual Plan 2019

My submission is in support of building/requesting funding for a new community facility/citizen hub at 10 Shirley Road, Richmond, Christchurch.
Shirley Centre, opposite Shirley Primary School. New Inclusive Centre with: Shirley Library | Learning Spaces | Service Centre. Supporting our communities: Identity | Well-being | Learning.

Christchurch City Council Draft Annual Plan 2019 – Joanna Gould

https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/04/CAPL_20190430_AGN_3710_AT.PDF, Pages 202-230

CCC Draft Annual Plan 2019 | Submission .pdfs by Joanna Gould
– Update for the Christchurch City Council Draft Annual Plan 2019-2020.
– Feasibility Study for Shirley Community Centre & Community Facilities Network Plan.

CCC Draft Annual Plan 2019 | Ali Jones, Papanui-Innes Community Board
– https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/04/CAPL_20190430_AGN_3710_AT.PDF, Pages 47-51
– https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Community-Boards/Plans/Papanui-Innes-Community-Board-Plan.pdf, 2017-2019

Christchurch City Council Draft Annual Plan 2019
Ali Jones, Papanui-Innes Community Board, 10 Shirley Road @ 11:00 minutes

CCC Shirley Community Reserve Feedback

https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/consultations-and-submissions/haveyoursay/show/252

Do you support the landscape plan for the Shirley Community Reserve pump track and multi-use concrete table?: No
Do you have any comments on the plan?: I do support Shannon’s request for a permanent pump track to be located within MacFarlane Park, which is why I got involved and emailed the Papanui-Innes Community Board.
I do not support the landscape plan or the proposed temporary “modular” pump track being purchased/installed on 10 Shirley Road.
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/proposed-pump-track-for-shirley/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/papanui-innes-skate-facilities/
– https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/ccc-shirley-community-reserve-consultation/

Petition: Shirley Primary School students asked for a skate park in MacFarlane Park, not Richmond. Shirley residents have been asking the Papanui-Innes Board since 2001 for this facility, and up until now their requests have been ignored.
After the Board’s decision to accept the Council report, the student who presented the petition was quoted in the local newspaper: “temporary [modular] pump track is not the option he wants”.

Consultation: This consultation does not address the issue: that Shirley will still have no local skate facilities, for local children who are unable to travel outside of their neighbourhood. (1)
The consultation info asks two leading questions for a desired outcome, and doesn’t include any info regarding the actual location (Shirley Community Reserve = 10 Shirley Road, former Shirley Community Centre), costs, or noise/safety issues, so residents can make an informed decision.

Location: Shirley Community Reserve is in Richmond. The reserve does not have toilets. The closest toilets are at Jebson Street, by the flying fox at MacFarlane Park South Playground. This location is also where I suggested a permanent track could be made by adapting the path that goes around the flying fox. It is also the location of the Shirley Community Garden, and the main thoroughfare for Shirley children walking to and from Shirley Primary School. (2)

Type of Track: “Project Brief: Tracks can be permanent or modular design. In this case a modular design is preferred allowing for future relocation.” (3)
The Board has the opportunity to finally provide Shirley children with a permanent skate facility in their local MacFarlane Park, but the original Council report was based on a “modular” pump track design only.
“A location near Jebson Street beside the flying fox, toilets and Shirley Community Gardens was also considered, however, this has a separation of 25m between residents and the [modular] pump track. Further noise information would be required if this site was preferred over the site near Emmett Street.” (4)

Noise Issues: “The Environmental Health team have recommended that Council engage an independent noise engineer to test a modular pump track at Burwood and use readings to suggest a suitable distance [40m] between the proposed [modular] pump track and residents to ensure compliance with the District Plan.” (3)
I accept that the proposed “modular” pump track cannot be located in MacFarlane Park, Shirley, due to the above noise issues/setback required, relating to the 11 modular track section joins.
But a permanent track is basically a very bumpy asphalt footpath and wouldn’t have the same restrictions/setback requirements. Noise from the flying fox hasn’t been an issue, so why would there be a problem with noise from a permanent track?

Safety Issues: “Motorists running red lights on a signalised pedestrian crossing Shirley Rd [between Shirley Community Reserve and Shirley Primary School] have posed a major threat to pupils.” (5)
The Board has been aware of safety issues with the lights/crossing on Shirley Road since 2017, when I emailed my concerns/suggestions (which included delaying the pedestrian crossing signal change phase).
Local children in Shirley know there is an “invisible boundary line”, they are free to play unsupervised, as long as they don’t cross the major roads and stay within MacFarlane Park.
The proposed pump track will be mainly used after school and on the weekends, when the crossing lights (red light runners) from Shirley Primary to 10 Shirley Road, will not be supervised by a teacher.
If the proposed location is approved by the Board, Shirley children will be forced to cross a busy main road, Shirley Road, with known safety issues.

Environmental Issues: “[Christchurch City Council] have declared climate change emergencies and pledged to take urgent action to reduce their carbon emissions.” (6)
The Board is considering purchasing a “modular” pump track which is imported from overseas. The local businesses that created the #detour Gap Filler project on Manchester Street, could create a permanent skate track in MacFarlane Park, less expensive and less carbon emissions.

Shirley Community: “An east Christchurch suburb overlooked since the earthquakes is close to breaking point, community leaders say. Papanui-Innes Community Board chairwoman Ali Jones told a council submissions hearing on Monday Shirley was in dire need of new community facilities, but had been largely left out of the Christchurch City Council’s draft 10-year budget. “Our ward has been forgotten in many ways, particularly the Shirley area – an area that is in the east but not in the east we hear so much about.” “The community is close to breaking point. They need a place to meet, to gather, to mend.” (7) 30th April 2018

Papanui-Innes Community Board Plan 2017-2019:
“Strong Communities | Board Priorities: (for the next two years) Develop a ten year plan for the area at 10 Shirley Road for community use. The plan will be considered in the Long Term Plan. The rebuild of a community centre on the land at 10 Shirley Road is designed and commenced.
Strong Communities | We will measure our success by: Development of a ten year plan for the area at 10 Shirley Road and consideration in the Long Term Plan. This may include, among other items, a children’s playground, community gardens and a community centre. A community board community working party commencing to work with technical staff to design and begin the rebuild of a community facility at 10 Shirley Road.
Prosperous economy | Board Priorities: (for the next two years) Successful rebuild of the 10 Shirley Road.
Prosperous economy | We will measure our success by: Commencement of the rebuild of the 10 Shirley Road Community Centre.” (8)

As a community we need to ask ourselves whether we want temporary facilities as part of our children’s childhood memories?
Or whether we should be investing in building permanent facilities? Facilities that enliven our community, and rise up a sense of identity and well-being through the memories created, when our children connect with our community spaces.

Links:
(1) http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0303/S00015/new-skate-facility-planned-for-mcfarlane-park.htm
(2) MacFarlane Park South Playground https://goo.gl/maps/gGXTAKXf5hmvJrwy7
(3) 2018/19 Capital Endowment Fund Application Decision Matrix: https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2019/03/CNCL_20190328_AGN_3367_AT.htm#PDF3_Attachment_22966_2
(4) Modular Pump Track Shirley Report: https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2018/12/PICB_20181207_AGN_2446_AT.htm
(5) https://www.star.kiwi/2017/08/red-light-runners-thwarted-by-signal-phase-change/
(6) https://www.ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/newsline/show/3614
(7) https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/103484014/christchurch-suburb-overlooked-since-the-earthquakes-community-leaders-say
(8) https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Community-Boards/Plans/Papanui-Innes-Community-Board-Plan.pdf

Where would you prefer the multi-use table to be located?: Other location (please describe below)
Comments – Please be as specific as possible: There has been much debate online and in the local papers questioning the cost and safety issues (concrete table near playground, wayward ping pong balls near a busy main road) of this proposed multi-use table.
Since these debates, a wooden picnic table has been anonymously placed in the Shirley Community Reserve.
The seating/picnic table that the resident original asked the Board for, has been kindly donated by someone in our community.
There is no need to purchase this concrete multi-use table and concrete seating.