Park's name stays the same

RECOGNITION: The park's grandstand honours an All Black great.

An attempt to change the name of Masterton's Memorial Park has failed to convince the district council and will not happen.

After a lengthy discussion at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday, a request from Wairarapa Multi Sports Stadium Trust to rebrand Memorial Park as Memorial Stadium was rejected 9-1, with only Councillor Chris Peterson voting in favour.

Councillor Jonathan Hooker was absent.

The trust had sought the change of name to relate to the number of sports and events happening there, and because the word "stadium" would give it a higher profile for marketing purposes, a report to councillors said.

Councillor Simon O'Donoghue said recognised sports grounds such as McLean Park in Napier seemingly had no problem promoting themselves, without having to revert to being called a stadium.

"I think the fact the grandstand in Memorial Park has now been named the Sir Brian Lochore Stand is all we need in the way of name changes," he said.

Councillor David Holmes said to most people the concept of a stadium was of a large facility with "a covered area, like in Dunedin".

If Memorial Park was to be called a stadium "it would be the only stadium in New Zealand with a hedge down one side".

The chairman of the council's parks and open spaces task group, Gary Caffell, said a stadium conjured up a facility that had more than a grandstand to offer.

" They usually have a cafe, indoor training facilities and other amenities," he said.

Councillor Peterson's view was that if the trust wanted the change he would go along with it. "I am fairly relaxed about the whole park/stadium thing," he said.

Support was given in principle for the trust to seek a naming sponsor for Memorial Park. Trust House secured that right in 2007 for a five-year term but, since its expiry in 2012, no action on a new sponsor has been forthcoming.

The "in principle" tag was applied to the council's decision to ensure any sponsor found by the trust met with the approval of the council.