Hockey turf being laid at Maidstone this week

The development of a multi-purpose sporting facility at Maidstone Park in Upper Hutt is continuing to progress well.

Upper Hutt, 4 April 2012 - Construction of the artificial hockey and rugby/football grounds at Maidstone Park in Upper Hutt is progressing well. With the earthworks on the hockey field complete and the shock pad laid, work began yesterday laying down the artificial turf on the site.

Previous progress saw lighting poles and fencing erected around the entire site. The hockey field is now on target to open in mid-April. Ground preparations continue on the rugby/football field which is expected to open in late May.

A new power supply, sewer line, stormwater system, and gas pipe have been installed to service the facility. Tenders for the upgrade of the Pavilion have been received, and Council is currently awaiting confirmation of funding for the work.

The new car park and its entrance road are also now under construction.

The development will increase the available hours of play for several sporting organisations throughout their seasons. The provision of floodlit training and playing areas have the potential to be used for more than 50 hours per week and the artificial turf should significantly reduce the number of cancellations during the season.

Excitement is beginning to build locally as the hockey field nears completion. Local hockey player, Jayden Lakeman (aged 10), expressed relief at the thought of not having to get up so early and travel so far to play on a Saturday morning. “We have been driving past every week to check progress,” says Jayden’s mother Tracey.

Upper Hutt Hockey Club President, David Yorston, also expressed enthusiasm for the new facility. “Simply put, this new facility will finally allow us to practice and play locally. But more importantly, the facility will attract local, younger talent to the game, build club numbers, and increase our chances of reaching higher levels of competition. We’ll now be able to do this by linking in with local schools and provide players with a first class local facility to practice and play the game. This is a massive opportunity, in a fantastic location, that will bring many sports people together in one place. Already, we are starting to benefit from discussions with other sports clubs that come from the development of a multi-purpose facility. We are extremely grateful to the Upper Hutt City Council and the National Hockey Stadium Trust for bringing this project to fruition.”

The redeveloped park will also create a new ‘destination’ for Upper Hutt, bringing in visitors to the area from all around the region. This should result in a positive spin off for Upper Hutt’s CBD due to the intensity of sports and other activities being held at the park.

About Upper Hutt City Council
Upper Hutt City Council is the steward and custodian of Upper Hutt City, providing governance, infrastructure, and community services and resources, and promoting opportunity in the city for business, recreation, lifestyle, and leisure. Upper Hutt City is located 30 km north-east of Wellington City (41°07'34" S, 175°04'06" E) and boasts 70% of the region’s parks and reserves, along with state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities.

For more information on Upper Hutt City and the City Council, go to www.upperhuttcity.com.

ENDS

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