Tennis and netball enthusiasts using the Karaka Sports Ground will benefit from a $150,000 Auckland Council grant for work on the courts at the facility.
Franklin ward Councillor Andy Baker welcomes the grant.
“We’re all aware of the growth taking place around us and rapidly growing populations need sports and recreation facilities.
“Karaka already plays a huge role in the community, and it will only continue to increase in significance.”
Council has allocated $13.6 million to 18 organisations through its Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund for the development of sites across Auckland.
The funding was approved by the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee earlier this month and Cr Baker says it will help more people participate in sport.
“You only have to see the numbers at netball, at the football codes, the hockey centre and the tennis courts to understand how vital it is that we keep developing our facilities,” Baker says.
“We can’t all win Olympic gold, but we can all take part at a local level and enjoy the benefits that brings.”
Funding was allocated across the city and Baker says the large number of applicants made decisions difficult, but the investment recognises the need for quality sports organisations and facilities.
“We’re proud to help groups invest in their facilities, because it helps provide Aucklanders with spaces to stay active and participate in their chosen sport.”
And Baker has also welcomed $315,000 in funding for the Auckland, North Harbour and Counties-Manukau hockey associations - $105,000 a year for three years - from Council’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Operating Grants.
“The hockey centre is a great facility for a sport that’s almost unique as a code in that clubs come together to play and train in one place, rather than at individual facilities across Franklin. That, and the associations united funding application, means there is one approach, and that helps build a very solid case for funding.”
On the other side of Franklin, Te Puru Community Charitable Trust was granted $480,000 over the next three years.
“Te Puru is the heart of sport and recreation in the Beachlands-Maraetai area and that security of operational funding will be welcome.”
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