Two significant Franklin sports facilities have been granted new leases.
Pukekohe Rugby Football Club secured a 10-year lease with one right of renewal over Colin Lawrie Fields and Sunset Coast BMX Franklin did the same for its Puni Recreation Reserve site.
Wairoa subdivision member Malcolm Bell was the first to back Pukekohe rugby – despite confiding he did not always enjoy, as a Bombay supporter, his trips to the venue.
“That said, I have enjoyed convivial ties after the games and there is no doubt the site is a cherished part of the area’s sporting landscape.”
Bell’s views prompted Pukekohe subdivision member and board deputy chair Alan Cole – a passionate Patumahoe supporter, to also back the club, despite his belief his blue and yellow home team was superior.
“I do have to concede that it is a wonderful facility that plays host not just to rugby, but to summer codes, and is extremely well-used because the club willingly shares its premises.”
Pukekohe has about 900 members.
The BMX club also owns buildings and assets on its site, which is home to two tracks it is continuously improving.
It was established in 1988 and has 90 members, 80 per cent of them under 13.
Board chair Angela Fulljames says it’s another example of the great work done by volunteers.
“Committee members provide many hours each week to support the club. Franklin’s sporting scene would be the poorer for it without people like that, and the many people who commit to backroom and support roles so others can play and enjoy all their chosen sport has to offer.”
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