Confirmation of a successful Lotteries Grant application for $500,000 has delighted proponents of the development of a multi-sport turf in Waipukurau, who say the vision can now become a reality, as soon as next year.
In the pipeline for about three years, the facility spearheaded by the Central Hawke's Bay District Community Trust was part of an overall upgrade to Central Hawke's Bay's sporting hub at Russell Park, and will be available for multiple sporting groups and codes in all weather.
Trustee Di Petersen said they were thrilled to have secured such a significant amount of funding for the project.
"The redevelopment of Russell Park will help to support the health and wellbeing of Central Hawke's Bay's residents while enriching social connections and building community spirit and identity.
"The trust is confident that the turf will be well-used and it is likely there will be other uses which will develop when it is up and running in the new year."