Wanganui parks top satisfaction levels - 24/05/2012

Wanganui’s parks have come top in an independent survey which measures public satisfaction with parks and reserves across participating Councils in New Zealand.

Of the 12 Council areas surveyed Wanganui had the highest overall percentage satisfaction across all park categories with an average satisfaction level of 96.8%.

The annual Parkcheck survey measured 180 respondents across 20 different Wanganui park types including destination parks such as Virginia Lake and Kowhai Park, neighbourhood parks including Hutton Park and Carlton Avenue Park, sports grounds and other areas such as Otamatea, Westmere Lake and the Mowhanau Beach reserve.

There was increased satisfaction in all categories of parks from 2011 with 100% satisfaction levels for destination parks and sports grounds. Neighbourhood parks satisfaction levels were 86.7% with a lack of toilets proving to lower satisfaction.

The survey also showed visitor frequency and at neighbourhood parks Carlton Avenue, Lorenzdale and Williams Domain 50% or more respondents visited the park about once a week or more frequently. 100% of respondents at Otamatea visited at least once a week and 60% every day.

“This is a really positive result for Wanganui,” says Cr Ray Stevens, Chair of the Infrastructure and Property Committee.

“Wanganui has a large number of parks and reserves which provide a huge range of opportunities for the community for sport, health and fitness, family time, picnics, dog walking and socialising.

“This survey shows that the hard work our staff and contractors put into this area is having a positive effect and that our residents and visitors do notice and appreciate the provision of these essential green spaces. It’s great to know how often people are using the parks too – especially some of our smaller neighbourhood parks.”

The findings of the survey will be presented to the Infrastructure and Property Committee on Tuesday, May 29. The meeting, held in the Council Chamber at 2.00pm, is open to the public.