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Submissions

Western Springs Stadium

Posted in Regional; Tagged Parks and recreation, Accessibility; Posted 8 months ago by DPA Less than a minute to read

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To: Auckland Council
Date: June 2025

The submission aims to provide feedback on the Auckland Council Western Springs Stadium project. DPA's goal is to ensure the stadium design incorporates universal accessibility and inclusive features from the outset, considering the needs of disabled people, the aging population, and including accessible play elements if a playground is part of the plan. This supports DPA's vision of systemic change for the equity of disabled people.

Summary of DPA submission

DPA welcomes the opportunity to give feedback on the Auckland Council Western Springs Stadium project. The submission highlights that Auckland has a significant disability population rate of 14 percent (242,000 people in 2023) and an increasing number of older people (13.3% aged 65 or older in 2023, projected to be 1 in 5 by 2030). This increasing demographic is a key reason why Auckland Council needs to plan and invest in the development of fully accessible, inclusive communities.

DPA highlights an approach of an "accessible journey," which is a theoretical path of travel between the three primary components of the built environment: buildings, transport systems, and public spaces. Critical points in this journey occur at transitions (e.g., footpaths, kerb ramps, parking, driveways, accessways, landscaping, passages between complexes). If accessible features are not present at these transitions, the accessible journey is broken for a user. DPA states that an overall approach needs to be considered for Western Springs Stadium to be accessible for all, despite the Council having access to the Disability Advisory Panel, Auckland Design Manual, and Barrier Free advisors.

DPA recommends that Council collaborate with Barrier Free Advisors on the design for Western Springs Stadium. They also recommend that Council ensures architects, landscape designers, engineering consultants, project management companies, placemaking agencies, and infrastructure companies are all reminded of Council’s commitment to Universal Design.

DPA advocates for Universal Design in all aspects of new builds, including Western Springs Stadium, noting that it is unclear if accessibility or Universal Design has been considered. If the option chosen for the stadium includes a playground, DPA offers specific recommendations for inclusive design. These include: installing more inclusive play equipment; seating of varying heights with armrests; accessible tables for wheelchair or mobility device users; universally accessible pathways or walkways from the street; clear pedestrian access free from barriers like bollards, seating, waste/recycling bins, and artwork; sufficient mobility parking spaces; fully accessible public toilets; a wheelchair user friendly drinking water fountain; and a shade tarpaulin for more shaded play areas.

 

Key Recommendation/Finding:

That Universal Design is to be factored in the plan and design of any new build.

 

Supporting Statement 1:

DPA advocates for Universal Design in all aspects of new builds, including the Western Springs Stadium, as it is currently unclear if accessibility has been considered.

 

Supporting Statement 2:

The increasing number of disabled and older people in Auckland necessitates planning and investment in fully accessible, inclusive communities.

 
 

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DPA Submission to Auckland Council about Western Springs Stadium (Word)

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