Sporting enthusiasts who are inappropriately using Christchurch's parks could land everyone with fees for using public spaces.
The Christchurch City Council was looking at charging businesses who used public parks, and if a new bylaw was needed.
Tom Berry, who has been running fitness classes in Christchurch parks for more than five years. Photo: RNZ / Logan Church
Tom Berry had been running fitness classes, personal training sessions and boot camps for more than five years, and took advantage of Christchurch's many parks and open spaces.
But a proposed change to the public spaces bylaw, which was currently under review, could force him to pay a fee if he wanted to keep using them.
Mr Berry said the idea did not make sense.
"I'm not aware of the current system being an issue...we've never had any hostility from residents, or issues with space," he said.
"If it's not broken why fix it?"
Mr Berry said his fitness boot camps could attract up to 100 participants at a time during the summer, but he had never had any complaints.
He said slapping fees onto fitness business owners could have an impact on the industry.
"If they were to charge us a lot it would ruin the fitness industry in Christchurch, but if it was a small fee you have to wonder how much money they'd make, and whether it would be worthwhile," he said.
Christchurch City Council head of parks Andrew Rutledge Photo: RNZ / Logan Church
Christchurch City Council head of parks Andrew Rutledge said stricter rules were needed.
He said a fee would target those using the parks inappropriately.
"[As an example], some people see the botanic gardens as place to go and enjoy the botanic world...sweaty, grunting individuals don't really fit that mode," he said.
Mr Rutledge said other city councils had a fee for businesses to operate in public places.
Both the Wellington and Auckland councils had fees in place for businesses wanting to operate in the city parks.
Mr Rutledge said this could easily work in Christchurch, and the fees would ensure everyone would be able to use the parks fairly.
But Mr Berry said policing would be impossible.
"What about the hills, what about the steps, what about the beach, what about me doing a personal training with a runner and running around the streets?" he said.
"You have to wonder whether the amount of money they are going to make will cover the cost of policing it," he said.
The Christchurch Council said it would have to consult the public before it could start charging for park use.
Hagley Park in Christchurch Photo: RNZ / Logan Church
