Friday, 3 May 2013
Maidstone Park Sports Centre officially opened
Upper Hutt Mayor,Wayne Guppy, together with Rex Manning and Peter Thomas officially opened the Maidstone Park Sports
Centre at a ceremony held in the facility’s clubrooms last night.
UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 03 MAY 2013—A significant turnout of invited guests crowded into the renovated Maidstone Park
Pavilion last night to take part in the official opening of what has been named the ‘Maidstone Park Sports Centre’. The
event comes at the conclusion of the first two phases of development of Maidstone Park, and a significant project that
will benefit the community of Upper Hutt and the whole Wellington region.
Beginning in December 2011, the Maidstone Park development project saw the installation of two artificial turfs laid
adjacent to each other on the grounds opposite the pavilion clubrooms. The turfs differ significantly in size and turf
substrate with one sand based pitch catering for hockey and the other sand and rubber based pitch, for rugby and soccer.
The turfs were designed and are certified to international standards. The first hockey game was played on its turf in
May 2012 and the soccer/rugby pitch has now been open since February this year.
Also included in the project were a small artificial practice area, car parking, and renovation of the
pavilion—including the changing facilities and toilets, the addition of a tuck shop, and the clubrooms upstairs.
In his speech, Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy highlighted the longevity of the project from its inception three years ago
and paid respect to those involved for their vision and determination to see it to this point of completion. Chris
Upton, Council’s Chief Executive, noted that this may not be the end of the project, citing Council’s Long Term Plan
which includes a possible “phase 3” development of an additional rugby/soccer turf and tennis/netball courts.
Maidstone Park Trust Chair, Peter Thomas also spoke. Mr. Thomas thanked Council for its support of the project and in
particular the Mayor and Mr. Upton for their vision of what the facility could be over and above the initial ideas
proposed for a “flood-lit field for soccer practice.” He also noted the further addition of a viewing deck for the
pavilion was now in for consent at Council. The facility’s usage is now booked through the trust. The facility has great
potential to host not only sporting events, but also community events and encourages interested groups to get in touch.
Funders the National Hockey Stadium Trust, Lion Foundation, and Wellington Community Trust were thanked for their
contribution to the project. Of particular note was support from the Pelorus Trust who saw the vision for the project
and was able to make the most significant contribution to the project.
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.
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