Te Puru Park at Beachlands will be see improved facilities in the next year.
Auckland Council says that growing player numbers have put pressure on the area’s sports grounds. The new project will increase usable hours by improving lighting Te Puru.
The increase in floodlit areas will take some pressure off other facilities, such as the Beachlands and Whitford domains.
“The upgrade went on hold in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Franklin Local Board deputy chair Angela Fulljames says.
“It was projected not to begin until the 2024 financial year.
“But some great work from our people meant work to progress the design, consents and tender docs was done, and with budget secured, we are able to revive the project.
“That will see physical works for the lighting taking place in the near future and that will be very welcome news for the park users in the area.”
Fellow representative Malcolm Bell says the exact dates haven’t been confirmed but all work will be done outside the marked playing fields.
“All site works will be fully-fenced and some car parking will be used for storage but, because the lighting poles will also have amenity lights for the footpath and carpark, safety will be improved,” Bell says.
A new transformer will be future-proofed to allow for more growth. New LED lights for the existing poles and netball courts will be investigated but will be dependent on tender pricing.
It is envisaged that all the work will be completed by May.
Board chair Andy Baker says Covid-19 significantly impacted city and local communities and funding fell dramatically.
“But a lot of people have worked hard to secure funding to make improvements at Te Puru possible and we are pleased the work will go ahead because the park is the sporting heart of the area.
“We want a healthy community that gets out there and stays fit and active. For that to happen we have to make sure we have good facilities.”
