Community needs should be assessed when designing sports facilities

16/8/96

Sport and Recreation Minister Norman Moore has urged recreation facilities managers and local government authorities to look at future community needs when designing sports facilities.

Mr Moore, speaking at a 'Design for Success' seminar conducted by the Ministry of Sport and Recreation, said the design stage was one of the most important phase of any planned sport and recreation facility.

He recommended that those working towards new or refurbished facilities should consult a series of 'how to' kits produced by the Ministry of Sport and Recreation.

The kits cover feasibility studies, marketing plans, the development of design briefs and the appointment of design consultants.

"Ensuring that sport and recreation facilities are better designed and managed thus maximising their use by the community, is a priority of the Western Australian Government and must be addressed at the design stage," Mr Moore said.

"If there is not adequate research, the result can be facilities which fall short of the community's expectations - or that cater only for certain groups.

"Sports facilities are playing an increasingly important role in the community with a much more diverse mix of people using them, so it is important we get it right at the earliest possible stage.

"It is also important that those involved in the recreation industry should use their personal experience when it comes to planning and designing facilities.

"While we must seek the advice of other experts, we must not lose sight of the experience of those who work in the industry; they often know what is best suited to the needs of their local community."

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444 or 222 9595