New lights turned on
South Canterbury Hockey’s future is looking bright, with new LED lights now in use at its two turfs at Aorangi Park.
The project, completed last week, is part of a major upgrade of facilities.
Hockey South Canterbury operations manager Amanda Everett said the lights were a ‘‘great result’’ for the community.
‘‘It’s extremely important, as many matches are played at night and a lot of clubs have their practices in the evening.
‘‘We’ve been really well supported in the community for this project.’’
Everett said several community organisations provided sponsorship, including Trust Aoraki, Mid-South Canterbury Community Trust, and Pub Charity.
South Canterbury Hockey Turf Trust chairwoman Anne-Marie McRae said LED lighting is the future generation of all outdoor flood lighting, and in particular within the sport and recreation sector.
McRae said not only will the new lights offer up to 30,000 hours of life (about 30 to 40 years), they will also offer power savings of 55 to 75 per cent compared to the previous halogen bulb lights.
The project cost about $245,000 across the two turfs.
The next stage, subject to funding, will include the replacement of the sandbased turf with a modern water-based surface, including installation of the required groundwork, water recycling and sprinkler system, and new team/ official dugouts. This is expected to take place in the 2021-22 season.
It is proposed that in the 2022-23 summer, there will be upgrading of the waterbased turf to modern surface technology, and in the 2023-24 summer, there are plans to build a modern facility fit for the future requirements of hockey.
The facility could include changing rooms, toilets, office and meeting space, spectator lounge, cafe´/bar and professional shop.