New lights at Pulman Park in Takanini will open the venue up to more users and make it more attractive for tournament and event organisers.
The Papakura Local Board and Auckland Council are partnering with the Bruce Pulman Park Trust on the project which will see permanent lights built on two fields at the park.
At the moment the trust has temporary lights in place which means the grounds can’t be used to their full potential and they pose a potential safety hazard for park users.
The local board is contributing $150,000 towards the project from its local initiatives capital fund while the Environment and Community Committee approved $200,000 from the council’s Sport and Recreation Partnership Fund towards the project.
Manurewa-Papakura ward councillor Daniel Newman says the new lights are much needed and will not just benefit users in his ward.
“With these improvements, the park will be on its way to becoming a true multi-sport facility. And, with the population growth being experienced in the area, the park will attract potential users from across Counties Manukau, reflecting its role as a sub-regional asset.”
Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says its contribution aligns well with its objective to have well-used parks, sports and recreation facilities in the area.
“This objective is why we will continue to support development at Pulman Park as well as Opaheke and Hingaia sports grounds.
“We also see the economic potential of our sporting facilities being attractive to national sporting bodies for big tournaments and events – so they need to be up to standard.”
Trustee and the park's general manager Noeline Hodgins says the support from the council and the local board is an ‘outstanding result for the community and park users’.
“This will mean increased usable hours and safety for the current and future users, and will enable the park to grow into a destination for the community and provide more opportunities for them to connect with us.”
The park is the home ground for Ardmore Marist Rugby, which has been waiting for many years for the fields to be lit so is delighted by the move.
“The lights will also mean we could host more tournaments and events, which will provide an economic benefit to the area.”
About Pulman Park
Located on Walters Road, the Bruce Pulman Park Trust leases the 64-hectare park from the council and is responsible for running and developing infrastructure and facilities.
As well as playing fields, it is home to the Pulman Arena, home of the Northern Stars ANZ premiership netball team, gymsport and recreation centre, Papakura Netball Centre, cricket facilities, conference and meeting facilities and a motor park.
Find out more about Pullman Park on its website.
