Summer Surveying Helps Council Plan for Future

Residents who have been enjoying parks and beaches within Franklin this summer have also been helping Franklin District Council plan for the future.

That’s because more than 500 people have talked to student Jenny Wadsworth, who has been out and about surveying people around Franklin. Jenny has been asking people why they enjoy Franklin parks, reserves, beaches and facilities, why they visit and their suggestions for the future.

This is the second year that Council has conducted a survey in January and already the information gained has helped Council with their immediate and future planning.

“Last year we talked to people at Bledisloe Park and discovered it was one of the most popular playgrounds in the District. During the year we then worked on how we could make the playground even better and this January went back with a model for the children to tell us what they thought,” says Franklin District Council’s Senior Parks Officer, Greg Lowe.

Franklin District Council has been especially interested to hear suggested improvements from Franklin residents. However it has been interesting to hear how broad some people think Council’s work is.

“We have people asking for everything from more seating to corner dairies! Jenny has found herself discussing with people the role of Council, reminding them about the Bylaws that apply in parks and beaches and conducting the survey. It’s been a productive summer for her!” says Greg.

Jenny is now collating the information into a report for the Community Facilities team at Franklin District Council. They will then be able to feed the information into Council’s immediate and future planning.

Council realises there are many people who wouldn’t have had an opportunity to take part in the survey but may have ideas or suggestions. If so, please feel free to contact the Franklin District Council Parks Team on 237 1300.