Newly appointed Mitre10 Sports Park General Manager Glenn Lucas is focussed on greater community use of the best regional sport facility in New Zealand.
 
Mr Lucas was today announced as the permanent General Manager, taking over from Ryan Hambleton, who had been seconded to the role, following the departure of long standing CE Jock Macintosh last October.
 
Mr Lucas, presently the Manager Sports and Recreation at Napier City Council is keen to enhance wider community access to the park.
 
“Mitre10 Park caters for a wide range of organised sport, which is fantastic, but there’s also a untapped opportunity to welcome other users with more informal and passive recreation activations and offerings. 
 
“This will truly build a stronger sense of community ownership and connectivity that ultimately improves the health and well-being of more Hawke’s Bay residents.
 
Mr Lucas said another key focus will be to build upon existing relationships with councils, health providers, sport codes and organisations and commercial partners to further establish the reputation of Mitre10 Park.
 
“I’m thrilled that the Regional Sports Park board has faith in me to take Mitre10 Park to the next stage of its development.
 
“We are keen to work closely with those that currently use the park’s facilities as well as the Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust which operates the regional aquatic centre and the EIT Institute of Sport. Together we can achieve much more.”
 
Regional Sports Trust chair Tania Kerr said Glenn has the right attributes, experience and connections to take the Sports Park to the next steps of its journey as a vital community asset.
 
“Mitre10 Park has been a constant evolution from what started as an athletics facility to where it is today offering amazing community sport and recreation amenities for canoe polo, netball, rugby, football, hockey and much much more."
 
“We are exploring some exciting future plans for Mitre10 Park and we are thrilled to have Glenn lead this important mahi, that will see many more people across Hawke’s Bay enjoy all it has to offer. 
 
Glenn will commence his new role in late October with Ryan Hambleton returning to his full time role as General Manager at Sport Hawke’s Bay.
 
“The trust is grateful for Sport Hawke’s Bay in providing Ryan as an interim GM, he has done a tremendous job of being a custodian of the park especially in building closer connections to our user groups and stakeholders."

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Article added: Friday 22 September 2023