The purpose of these projects was a combination sports courts renewal of sports courts, as well as providing new assets that can be enjoyed by the community. Through this we have improved our level of service to provide a better-quality user experience for the courts, as well as new opportunities for play in our communities. These projects have pushed play on active recreation in local communities, fostered community engagement and encouraged recreational codes to use a shared space. The projects have been well received by the local and greater communities, with lots of positive and encouraging feedback.
The Pokeno Tennis Court is well used by the Pokeno Tennis and Recreation Club, as well as the wider community. However, the astroturf and surrounding fencing was of a poor quality. Likewise, the Huntly Tennis Court was in need of resurfacing and a re-evaluation of the surrounding fencing. The Tuakau Skate Park was driven heavily from Tuakau Youth Sports Trust, with the chair Shaun Jackson as the spearhead. Council worked in partnership with the Trust to make the Skate Park a reality, with strong engagement from the community. The design for the Skate Park begun in 2017, with community workshops to discuss and share ideas for the park, with the park being officially opened in November 2022.
Scoping began for the Tennis Courts in July 2021, with construction completed by Council in April 2023 for Pokeno and June 2023 for Huntly. There were barriers for delivery of the tennis courts due to supply chain issues experienced in 2022 to procure the materials needed for the works, however we were able to deliver a facility that meet community expectations.
The location of the new skate park and the two courts renewals were in the key parks for the three townships, being Dr John Lightbody Reserve in Tuakau, the Huntly Domain and Avon Road Reserve in Pokeno.
In the past 12 months the projects have progressed from being in the construction phase to being fully completed and in use by the communities. Pokeno Tennis Courts, Huntly Tennis Courts and Tuakau Skatepark were all identified as projects that needed renewal due to the poor existing facilities or no facilities present. There was a strong community desire to utilise multiple grounds within the district to make active spaces more accessible and remove the barrier of travel. Council worked with the local communities to get these projects underway. Council and communities worked together to create a design that would be most suitable, user-friendly and meet the needs of the communities.
The courts and skate park are now in use and being fully enjoyed by new and regular users in all communities. They are all open public spaces for people to use. The use of lighting has helped create a safe environment for all ages and abilities to use the facilities. Council worked with local communities and groups to enhance our districts active spaces and support increased participation in active recreation. In particular, the Tuakau Youth Sports Group and local Tuakau community gathered multiple times in the years leading up to construction to discuss and create the perfect skate park design for their area, creating a local connection between those with similar passions.
The renewals provide multi-purpose active recreation spaces that are used by the wider community, to encourage the community to be active. They provide free spaces for activities for the community as informal recreation. “It's a lovely place to enjoy Tennis, Basketball, Pickleball, Futsal, Netball and more!” said a member of the Pokeno community after having used the Pokeno courts.
There has been an overwhelming positive response from our community for the new skate park and court renewals. Previously, the existing courts were not at a satisfactory level of service. Since the courts have opened feedback has been received through many avenues such as social media, local community groups, and Community Boards, around the “fantastic” work that has been done on the renewals.
Huntly Community Board - “The courts looked fantastic after their renewal.”
Tuakau youth centre update their Facebook page often with local activities taking place – many which include the use of the skate park.
“I was not interested in tennis until the upgrade of the Lake Hakanoa courts. Now I dabble in it due to the great facilities offered” - Local Huntly Resident.
