The University of Otago should make a ''contribution'' to the Dunedin City Council in return for students being given preferential access to Logan Park, a councillor suggested yesterday.
The idea was raised at yesterday's annual plan hearing, after concerns were raised student sports had been forced off Logan Park at times last year.
Daniel Porter, from the university's student services division, said that had occurred to accommodate professional and semi-professional sporting codes, including the Highlanders, who wanted to practise on the ground.
Student events had been cancelled as a result, but not because of direct timetable clashes between the two, he said.
Rather, students were told the areas of the park to be used by the Highlanders needed to be kept in good condition, he said.
Mr Porter asked the council to prioritise areas of Logan Park, as well as the North Ground and Opoho sports fields, for organised and casual student use.
''It's important those places are still available for students. They must have places that are available to play on,'' he said.
His submission was on behalf of the student services division and the Otago University and Otago Polytechnic students' associations.
Cr Richard Thomson suggested the university might make a contribution in return for priority treatment, '' to back it up and make it more possible''.
Mayor Dave Cull said discussions between the council and university were already under way.
