Sports Park Hawke's Bay

What sports will be available at the sports park?

The main sports accommodated at the Park are athletics, football, touch, netball and gymsports. An announcement of further developments at the Sports Park will be made at the end of 2011.

How long will it take to develop?

The first stage - the athletics track, grandstand and associated parking was completed in November 2010. Netball facilities and four new sports fields came on stream in June 2011.  A further three sports fields will be available for the 2012 winter season.  An announcement of further developments will be made at the end of 2011.

How will the Park address the region's poor record in health and crime?

The Park will employ programme managers. It will be their job to partner with existing health and crime service providers to ensure those who should be accessing the Park, are. They will also be proactive in targeting particular sectors. For example the Gymsports facility has excellent programmes for rest home residents and pre-schoolers.

How will the Park pay for itself?

All of the facilities attract revenue to varying degrees.  The Park derives revenue from a range of sources including Hastings District Council and users of the Park.  Importantly, the Park also has strong support from sponsors, gaming and charitable trusts whose ongoing support is critical to the viability of the operation.

What is "economic benefit" and what drives it?

Economic benefit refers to increases in GDP [Gross domestic product], to household income and employment. The Park contributes to these measures through construction activity, ongoing operations and through its ability to attract people to the region for events.  As an example the 2010 National Secondary School Athletics Championships and the 2011 Colgate Games attracted 4000 visitors who injected $2.5 million into the Hawke's Bay economy.