The unique value of sports venues lies in their ability to foster grassroots community engagement. By amplifying multi-purpose potential, former stadium-only grounds may put the spotlight on local participation and empower communities to use these spaces, leading to a sense of ownership and investment.

As cities embrace denser urban living, there is an increasing need for public shared spaces that prioritise play. These spaces must achieve safety and inclusivity, accommodating a diverse range of needs, abilities, backgrounds and gender. By ensuring everyone feels welcome to participate, public recreation spaces can offer a sense of belonging, social connection, and quality of urban life.

Regional towns and cities are beginning to recognise the potential of sports venues as inclusive community assets, instead of viewing them as exclusive spaces reserved for high-profile events. The key to success lies in fostering a sense of local belonging, and ensuring venues are well connected to their communities spatially and via effective transport links, creating vibrant and open end-to-end community experiences. By embracing these principles, sporting venues can not only compete with but also complement other leisure opportunities, empowering residents to actively engage and participate beyond the limitations of the traditional enclosed arena.

Auckland Council are in the midst of determining the future of stadiums in Tāmaki Makaurau with a desire to reimagine the stadium experience for the future growing population. Determining a solution between a revamped Eden Park or a new waterfront stadium in Te Tōangaroa comes with a long list of requirements, opportunities and questions:

• How might a new or revamped stadium support multi-modal journeys that are safe, accessible and inclusive at peak?
• How might a stadium and its surrounding grounds be a consistently lively and active space outside of major events?
• With the development of a new stadium, how might existing stadiums be reimagined and provide a unique and local offering?
• How might a stadium be a local and community asset whilst also hosting a memorable experience for international visitors and guests?

To achieve future-proof community engagement, architecture and landscape design must prioritise flexibility and accessibility. These environments should be adaptable to the evolving needs of the community and audience, offering versatile spaces, flexible configurations, and adaptive public infrastructure. Environmental graphics and wayfinding play a crucial role in establishing a sense of local identity, creating distinctive landmarks within neighbourhoods and activating the potential of usable facilities. Public infrastructure including urban furniture, play areas and landscape design should support a safe and inclusive environment, promoting positive social interaction in line with CPTED principles (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design).

Are truly open and inclusive sporting venues possible? Absolutely. Through intentional community engagement and the embracing of multi-purpose potential, sporting and recreational venues can ensure that they remain relevant and meaningful to the evolving needs and desires of the community.