Editorial: Hordes of kids reflect park's value

Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park is a well used facility. Kids compete here in the Mitre 10 Mega Tough Kid event. Photo / Duncan Brown

For those of you who have not been to the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park on a Saturday morning, it is quite a sight to behold at this time of year.

There are children everywhere playing hockey and netball. I went to watch two of my daughters play both sports last weekend and was quite amazed at how many kids and their parents were there from early in the morning.

What an amazing facility to have on our doorstep. Not only can it be used for school sports, but it is also good enough to host top-class events like the recent Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey.

What was so great about last Saturday was that there were so many children of all ages, who were out there giving it a go.

Some were very good at their chosen sport, while others still had a way to go. Whatever the skill level, they were all having fun. It was a little chilly to begin with but it was a marvellous day and good to see the community using a fantastic venue for the grassroots development of sport. One group of people who deserve praise is all the coaches and officials who volunteer their time to ensure that these games can take place.

The only slightly negative thing that can be said about the venue is that it can get backed up with traffic, with only one entry/exit point. However even this is being sorted, with a second access road set to open next month.

The Hastings District Council says a new road will give access to the park from Lyndhurst Rd in Frimley. The council says the project, which is costing $883,000, is running on time and on budget.

This is fantastic news and will only enhance a wonderful experience.