Football, tennis and cricket have received a financial boost under Franklin Local Board’s Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan.
Massey Park is home to the Waiuku Football Club and District Cricket Club, which receive $89,000 towards clubroom and changing room renovations, while a $30,000 grant goes to the Counties Tennis Association towards costs of a business case for indoor courts at Rosa Birch Park.
Indoor courts are projected to cost $2.6million, while the value of the Waiuku project could reach $120,000 depending on fundraising and in-kind contributions.
“Our Local Board Plan talks about having fit for purpose places and facilities, and our sport and rec plan has been in place since 2016 to help us prioritise investment in the area,” Board Chair Andy Baker says.
“In the 2020/2021 financial year we supported the Pōhutukawa Coast Mountain Bike Club’s Whitford Forest track work, Maraetai Beach Boating Club’s building work, and rubberising a court at the Pukekohe Netball Centre.”
Pukekohe subdivision representative Alan Cole says the Counties Tennis plan has a long way to go, but the development project will be a great asset for the region, while Waiuku sub division representative Sharlene Druyven says Massey Park remains an important venue for the Waiuku sporting community and services two successful sporting clubs.
“I have to say the clubs involved tend to roll up their sleeves without asking for help, so it’s great to see them supported.”
Her fellow Waiuku representative Matthew Murphy says the football and cricket clubs co-own the clubrooms and changing room facilities and exist together in a good partnership that sees the park used year-round.
“That has to be the way forward for sporting clubs because it’s smarter to put money into facilities that can be used fully, rather than just for half the year.”
