Sports grounds charges: a survey of attitudes to the user pays concept in grounds charges

Abstract

Local authorities in New Zealand have a tradition of free or nominal charging for their recreational facilities. However, because of changing social and economic conditions a greater interest is being shown by local authorities in the user-pays concept; particularly for popular, facility based user orientated forms of recreation. User fees is an alternative to general rating as a means of generating income for Parks Departments. The problem in determining who is expected to pay, (and how much) is a complex one that has important equity, economic, administrative and political implications that need to be considered. Can the ratepayer be reasonably asked to subsidize active groups recreational needs? What are the benefits of free recreation to society? Are local authorities expected to face rising costs of maintenance and expected to keep facilities in good condition? These are just some of the questions that need to be asked of recreational administrators in New Zealand.