Sport Pavilions and Hubs

Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to strongly advocate for the continued management of sports pavilions in Marlborough by Council staff, rather than transferring responsibility to community-based committees. The success of the Port Marlborough Pavilion and the Lansdowne Sports Hub under Council management provides clear, proven examples of how other sports pavilions and hubs in Marlborough should operate moving forward.

Both the Port Marlborough Pavilion and the Lansdowne Sports Hub have demonstrated what is possible when sports facilities are managed professionally. These venues are regularly well-utilized by local sporting clubs, schools, and the broader community, and their high participation rates reflect the quality of service and accessibility they offer. Their success is a direct result of consistent, professional management by Council staff, ensuring these facilities are maintained to a high standard and available to the public without unnecessary barriers.

In contrast, managing sports facilities through community-based committees can place undue strain on volunteers and lead to inconsistencies in facility management. Given the clear benefits experienced at the Port Marlborough Pavilion and Lansdowne Sports Hub, these facilities serve as models for how all sports pavilions and hubs in Marlborough should operate under Council management.

Here are a few key reasons why the Port Marlborough Pavilion and Lansdowne Sports Hub should serve as the standard for all Council-managed sports pavilions:

1. Proven High Participation Rates
   The Port Marlborough Pavilion and Lansdowne Sports Hub have seen remarkable levels of participation due to their professional management by Council staff. These venues consistently host a variety of events and activities that attract a wide range of community members—from competitive athletes to recreational users. This high level of participation is a direct result of the facilities being well-maintained, accessible, and managed with the expertise required to cater to all user needs. Other sports pavilions in Marlborough can achieve the same success by following this model.
2. Professional and Consistent Management
   Council-managed facilities benefit from the expertise of dedicated staff who understand the operational, financial, and maintenance needs of the venues. Professional management ensures that facilities are kept in excellent condition, and that health, safety, and accessibility standards are met. This consistency in management leads to higher user satisfaction and greater community engagement, factors that can be difficult to achieve with community-run committees.
3. Sustainability and Long-Term Success
   The Port Marlborough Pavilion and Lansdowne Sports Hub have demonstrated long-term sustainability due to the structured approach provided by the Council. This professional management model allows for proactive planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, ensuring that these venues can evolve to meet the growing needs of the community. A similar model should be adopted for all sports pavilions in Marlborough to ensure their continued success and relevance in the years to come.
4. Equitable Access for All
   Under Council management, sports facilities are accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of their background or affiliation. Council staff can ensure a fair booking system, maintain accessibility features, and manage pricing structures to ensure that no one is excluded from using the facilities. This approach ensures that sports pavilions and hubs are truly community assets that serve the needs of a wide and diverse population.
5. Reduced Volunteer Burnout and Increased Community Involvement
   Managing a sports pavilion is a significant responsibility, and placing that burden solely on community committees can lead to volunteer burnout, inconsistencies, and sometimes poor facility management. By placing this responsibility with Council staff, the pressure on volunteers is reduced, allowing them to focus on their passion for sports and the community, rather than the day-to-day operations of the facility. This results in better-managed venues and more opportunities for volunteers to contribute in a more sustainable way.
6. Increased Collaboration and Support for Local Sporting Bodies
   The professional management of Council-run sports hubs fosters stronger, more effective relationships between Council staff and local sporting organizations. This allows for better coordination of events, the allocation of resources, and the overall development of local sport. By ensuring a consistent, reliable environment for these organizations to operate in, we can further support the growth of local clubs and increase participation across the region.

Given the clear successes of the Port Marlborough Pavilion and Lansdowne Sports Hub, these facilities should serve as examples of how all other sports pavilions and hubs in Marlborough should be managed. Professional management by Council staff ensures these venues remain accessible, well-maintained, and able to meet the evolving needs of the community, ultimately increasing participation, improving facilities, and fostering a greater sense of community.

I strongly urge the Council to adopt this model across all sports pavilions and hubs in Marlborough, ensuring that these facilities continue to thrive under professional management.

Thank you for considering this submission.

Sincerely

Chris Chambers 

Explained in letter