Sports Park Hawke's Bay

August 2003 Hastings District Council investigates areas for large format retail and Nelson Park, which is in need of major refurbishment, is identified. Fourteen alternative sites for athletics investigated.

April 2004 Public consultation regarding the future of Nelson Park commences. Concept of Sports Park introduced by submitters.

July 2004 Headline in Hawke's Bay Today reads "Sports Village may be answer to Park dilemma" (3 July). Council writes to sporting codes inviting them to participate in a working party to investigate site options for Nelson Park and a "district sporting centre". Several subsequent meetings occur.

March 2005 A further six location options investigated. Meanwhile Percival Rd site becomes available

October 2005 Council purchases Percival Rd site having identified it as most favourable option. Planning continues on Sports Park concept.

November 2006 Public referendum asks for ‘yes' or ‘no' to proposal (abbreviated) of selling
Nelson Park and re-locating athletics to Percival Rd site as part of a regional sport and recreation park. Public supports proposal - 62% yes, 38% no. Voter turnout is higher than 2007 local body elections.

April 2008 Formal public consultation over sports park development. 67% of submissions support the proposal [some with conditions] 33% against. Construction of all weather athletics track [AWAT] commences

October 2008 Nick Willis "cuts ribbon" at new AWAT

May 2009 Construction on 2500 seat grandstand commences

October 2010  2500 seat grandstand opens

December 2010  first major event at the athletics facility - the 2010 New Zealand secondary school athletic champs followed in January with the North Island primary school champs - the Colgate Games

February 2011  Netball and football facilities available for use