Submissions

To: Christchurch City Council
Date: September 2024

Purpose

The primary purpose of the submission is to provide feedback with recommendations aimed at ensuring that the park becomes more accessible for everyone, particularly disabled people, by incorporating universal design standards into both its existing and new infrastructure. DPA advocates for inclusive design to accommodate various disability needs and ensure safe enjoyment of the park.

Summary of DPA submission

DPA recognizes the value of the park for Christchurch residents given its walking tracks and recreational/sporting facilities. DPA agrees with the plan as outlined, but its primary ask is that more of the existing tracks and trails (and any new ones) are made fully accessible, including for disabled people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids, and blind and low vision people. This involves creating tracks built to universal design standards, enabling safe and accessible use by everyone, including parents pushing children’s strollers.

DPA also acknowledges the plan to replace the existing Barnett Valley Park bridge with a new one. DPA recommends that the new bridge should be made fully accessibleaccording to universal design principles, with sufficient width and length to accommodate a wide range of pedestrians, including disabled people who use wheelchairs and mobility devices. DPA endorses the proposals to stabilise steep banks, enhance pools and eddies, and undertake replanting along the stream banks, believing these actions will make Barnett Valley Park a safer place for everyone, especially given its flood-prone nature.

Key Recommendation:

DPA recommends that any existing tracks are considered for being made fully accessible according to universal design standards to accommodate everyone, including disabled people, in using them.

Supporting Statement 1:

This means creating tracks which are built to universal design standards, enabling everyone, including disabled people and adults/whānau pushing children’s strollers, the ability to safely and accessibly use them.

Supporting Statement 2:

This recommendation also extends to any new tracks and the replacement bridge, ensuring they are built to be fully accessible with universal design principles.