I read that the unelected Commissioners of Tauranga City Council are looking at the racecourse and seeking public opinion on its future use.

What is not recognised and should be front of mind is that having decided on the intensification of the city, especially around Greerton, what the Commissioners fail to acknowledge is that open space is paramount to a healthy city.

They also fail to recognise that the racecourse and its supports activities bring together rural and urban people. They also fail to recognise that young and old love horses and how important that is for diversity and pleasure. It's a healthy society we want; and not a concrete jungle.

M Murray-Benge, Bethlehem.