Improved facilities at the Waiuku Sports Park are now complete.
The upgraded facilities are the result of a partnership between council and the community to boost availability of sport and recreation facilities.
The Franklin Local Board marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony during the Blast to the Past event held at the ground on Saturday 11 November.
Chair Angela Fulljames said the upgraded facility is an important community asset.
“We really want to see the whole community using it and getting enjoyment out of it so we would encourage people to book it, which they can now do through the council’s booking system.”
The project has involved developing and upgrading a carpark, access between the facilities, sand carpeting and irrigation and drainage of the field as well as new lighting and changing facilities.
It is the result of a partnership formalised in 2016 between the Franklin Local Board, Waiuku Districts Rugby Club and Waiuku College/Ministry of Education to encourage better use of recreation and sports facilities in the area.
Board member Brendan Crompton has worked closely alongside the project partners as the local board’s representative, and says it’s great to see the project finally realised.
“We’ve actually been talking about for more than a decade, so since before Auckland Council was formed. I am delighted we’ve now seen it become a reality.”
Mr Crompton paid tribute to the rugby club and school in working alongside council and their willingness to open up the facilities to the community.
“This model of working with a school and existing sports club is something new for the council and we’ve shown it is a model than can work so could be a blueprint for other projects. It’s a win, win not just for the school and club with upgraded facilities, but for the Waiuku community as a whole, who can now take advantage of them.”
He added that it’s also a win for ratepayers with limited funds available meaning it makes sense for council to invest in upgrading existing community facilities in partnership rather than building new ones.
The project aligns with the guiding principles of the Franklin Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan, which the board adopted in 2016, including sustainability, partnerships, multi-use and boosting use of existing facilities.
Booking information available on the council’s website aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, search sports field bookings, or phone the council on 09 301 0101.