The ongoing development of the West Auckland Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) covered riding facility is galloping further ahead thanks to a $512,859 grant from Auckland Council.
The grant will go towards the cost of access and landscaping works required to become compliant with resource and building consents and safety requirements.
It comes from the regional Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund (SRFIF) which awarded more than $14.3 million to six sports organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau to help develop their facilities to meet the sport and recreation needs of Aucklanders now and in the future.
Waitākere Ward Councillor Shane Henderson says the funding supports a vital facility for a key Henderson-Massey community organisation.
“Developing a site like the West Auckland RDA covered riding facility is a huge undertaking, and I’m delighted to see the funding allocation to support landscaping and access compliance work.
“West Auckland RDA does amazing work providing a safe and welcoming space for young people with disabilities to gain confidence, develop skills and have fun.”
Development of the facility was identified as high-priority in the Henderson-Massey Local Board Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan 2023. The board has shown ongoing support for the project with various decisions and grants, including a $20,000 grant to support the installation of an automatic gate.
The venue, at Henderson Valley Park, is a dual site used by both the West Auckland Riding for the Disabled Association and the Henderson Valley Pony Club, where they provide equestrian facilities and programmes.
How SRFIF funding is allocated
Six organisations were invited to submit updated information regarding their on-going projects. These projects were identified based on their alignment to the priority criteria for the fund and progress through the project lifecycle.
Auckland Council staff and an independent review panel considered the submissions and assessed the capability of the organisations, achievability of the project, current project status, and funding status.
All six of the targeted process projects were recommended to receive grants for a total of $14,348,920. The funding was approved by the council’s Community Committee on 11 February 2025.
More information on the council’s grants programme that supports Aucklanders’ aspirations for a great city, including the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund can be found on the Auckland Council website.
Next funding round
Applications for the Sport and Recreational Facilities Investment Fund, contestable process opens on 18 February 2025 and closes on 18 March 2025.
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