Auckland sports facilities continue to grow

New sports facilities will continue to grow in Auckland after the Papakura Local Board voted to proceed to Stage 2 of the Opāheke Sports Park Clubrooms Project.

The board has approved the scope of the stage, which includes confirming requirements, the concept design, the estimated cost, and clubroom ownership.

The facilities are being built after the board adopted the Papakura Sports Needs Assessment in 2018, a plan designed to support a strategic approach to new facilities and to position the town for projected growth and its demand on sports grounds.

The board budgeted $88,000 to plan around clubrooms for Opāheke, and sports groups were contacted about being based at, or using, the park. Other potential park user groups were also contacted.

Board chair Brent Catchpole says three groups are already committed to being based at the park. United Cricket Club, the Counties Manukau zone of New Zealand Rugby League, and Papakura Kings Gridiron.

Marist Rugby Club and Auckland Football Federation have also been invited and are expected to confirm shortly.

Catchpole adds “Outcome 2 of our 2017 Papakura Local Board Plan is that People in Papakura lead active, healthy and connected lives. For that to happen we need to ensure the facilities people need are being built so that we don’t fall behind.”

The board continues to invest in Bruce Pulman Park, at Opāheke, and at Hingaia, and is also involved in ongoing upgrades of existing parks, sports and recreation facilities.

Image of Opāheke Sports Park courtesy of Auckland Council