New floodlights for Papamoa reserve

Gordon Spratt Reserve is a popular amongst locals and visitors all year round. Photo/ File

Gordon Spratt Reserve is set to be a whole lot busier this winter sports season, thanks to floodlighting that will be be installed at three of its playing fields.

Gordon Spratt Users Forum has run the community-led initiative and was supported by Tauranga City Council.

The lights were expected to be up and running by the end of May.

Funds for the lights had been donated by Project Tauranga partners, New Zealand Community Trust, TECT and The Lion Foundation.

Clare Crockford, Papamoa Football Club Captain said there were a number of different community sports groups who regularly used the fields.

"The new floodlighting will provide more time to train and play sports, and that's going to have a positive impact on the wellbeing for our young athletes," Crockford said.

With a growing population in Papamoa, there was an increased demand on the use of sports fields.

Lighting played an important role in increasing capacity, as well as providing flexibility for when the fields can be used.

It is usual for coaching to be carried out in the evenings when volunteers are available, and floodlights are able to provide the required lighting to accommodate this.

New Zealand Community Trust's national grants manager, Ben Hodges, said the trust was passionate about helping Kiwis play sport.

"We were keen to support the new floodlighting because it allows the sports fields to be used during winter evenings for soccer, rugby and league training.

"It'll mean more kids and adults can get out onto the field and enjoy their sport all year round," he said.

The decision to install floodlights at Gordon Spratt Reserve aligned with the Council's strategic approach to increased participation in sport and active living opportunities, as well as supporting the maintenance and development of Tauranga sports fields for community sport.

Council had agreed to maintain and depreciate the lights within their asset management framework.