More plans for park

Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park CEO Jock Mackintosh expects numbers using the facility to increase.

The Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park is now a $25 million facility and is set for an even brighter future with more developments looming.

Last year about 230,000 people used the facility, 250,000 people used it this year and numbers were expected to continue to increase.

Park chief executive officer, Jock Mackintosh, said the park was doing well.

"We're really happy, but we know there is a honeymoon period. Our challenge is to ensure that it remains financially strong, after that period, with maintenance costs."

The park owner had been carrying out research to ensure the park continued to provide for Hawke's Bay locals.

He visited North Canterbury sports and recreational trust recently to observe the way other sports facilities were run to suit the community.

One possible option could be a programme set up through the sports park to provide extra assistance within schools' sport departments.

"It's working in Christchurch okay, I don't see why it won't work in Hawke's Bay."

Due to increasing numbers, Hastings District Council recently built a second gate for the facility. Cars filled the parks and lined the streets every Saturday during the winter.

Mr Mackintosh said there could be developments in the future but at this stage they would continue assessing the park's use.

He also said the park relied heavily on corporate citizens and had a number of contributing sponsors.

Hastings Pak'n Save owner Brendon Smith recently renewed sponsorship of the netball centre at the park.

"We do lots of things in the community but this is one of the best," he said.

"Our sponsorship started in 2010 and was originally arranged by my father, David. Since then player numbers have doubled so we're very pleased to continue our support."

With more than 6000 registered netballers, Hawke's Bay is among the top netball-playing regions in New Zealand.

The sport accounted for half of the people who used the park while hockey and other events and activities made up the remainder.

Eight local companies sponsor the park and Mr Mackintosh said this helps the wider community immensely.

"We often hear that cost is a barrier to playing sport and this type of support reduces that cost."

The park is now host to a raft of different permanent activities and can be hired out for personal use as well as schools and businesses.