New projects for Pukekohe Park
An extensive multi-million makeover with a community focus has kicked off at Pukekohe Park.
Pukekohe Park chief executive, Lance Bickford recently announced a raft of new initiatives and renovation plans to help bring a community focus back to the park.
‘‘The key to this is actually building a membership base that’s more than just horseracing,’’ Bickford said.
New initiatives include a circuit breakers cycling club and two new motorsport clubs.
Park facilities including the conference and bar areas are currently undergoing extensive renovations.
‘‘There’s big machinery all over the place, we’ve pulled a lot of post out, new signage is coming up,’’ Bickford said.
‘‘We’re just trying to get the place tidy but it’s going to take a couple of years.’’
Franklin’s rapid growth also increases the potential of the Park to succeed as a community facility, Bickford said.
‘‘This place is going to be a real hub, not just for Pukekohe - we know this whole region is expanding we’ve got this corridor between Hamilton and Auckland.’’
Next month, the ITM Auckland Super Sprint hits Pukekohe, and next year the Stampede music festival will bring country superstars LeAnn Rimes and Scotty McCreery to town.
It’s all part of the plan to take advantage of Pukekohe’s growing status in the region, Bickford said.
‘‘This is where the main infrastructure is coming as the satellite town for Auckland.’’