Have your say on the future of Onchan Park.

The local authority has launched a public consultation seeking residents’ views on the facilities that are provided.

Onchan Commissioners chief executive Michael Morrison said the authority was looking to see ’significant change’ over the next four years’.

In the document it states: ’An area such as Onchan Park does require on-going investment to ensure that the facilities provided continue to meet the needs of the community.

’Whilst this type of facility will always require some support from the rates, investment to change the mix of facilities within the park will hopefully reduce support from the rates and make the whole area more sustainable for the future.’

Suggestions put forward by the commissioners include creating multi-sport all-weather facilities, building a clubhouse with changing facilities, upgrading facilities at the cafe and restaurant, and removing the former banked track.

It highlights the popularity of the crazy golf course and suggests that the activity could be enhanced with larger obstacles.

The pitch and putt area is identified as an area which could be redeveloped.

The children’s play park is recognised as a ’well used and appreciated area’ and it’s suggested ’little needs to be done’ there except possibly looking at the access to other areas of the park.

The commissioners are already considering other uses for the tennis court area, on the other side of the road to the rest of the park.

It has applied for approval in principle for public and private car parking. And it’s suggested income from the parking would then pay for the development of replacement sports facilities elsewhere in the park.

A medium-term option for the tennis courts is for the area, which is identified as building land, to be used for social housing. Again, income from this could then be reinvested in the park.

The consultation will run until March 30 and the submissions will be considered at the board’s first meeting in April.

Send your submissions in writing to Onchan Commissioners, Hawthorn Villa, Main Road, Onchan, IM3 1RD or email [email protected]