Lighting park sparks activity
As winter beckons and the nights draw in, a Palmerston North park in one of the city’s sometimes neglected neighbourhoods buzzes with activity.
Takaro Park, off Botanical Rd, went through a transformation last winter, when $192,500 worth of lights were turned on – paid for by the Central Energy Trust (CET).
Being able to use the park until 9pm has seen an explosion in the number of Takaro AFC’s teams and participants, and a surge in other users as well.
Project manager for the lights installation Madison Buchanan said before he joined the club four years ago, there were two senior teams and six juniors, and the club was growing.
But with only one bank of three lights along the southern side of the fields, the park’s potential was limited.
There were basketball courts, but with no lights at all. “Kids would stay on playing basketball when they could hardly see the ball.”
With seven new stands of energy-efficient, cheap-to-run LED lights, that has all changed. “It gives people so many opportunities to step away from home. It’s just awesome.”
Buchanan said it was about so much more than football, with netball, basketball and softball also involved.
Takaro AFC club president Adrian Doyle said football alone had grown hugely, now with about 250 juniors, four women’s teams when there used to be none, six junior girls-only teams, 40 “First Kicks” for children 6 or under, and six senior men’s teams.
Takaro AFC life member Kevin Palfreyman led the application process.
“CET could see this was not just about a football club, but about community.
“Our attitude is having people active in sport is good for the community.”
He said the process had been a team effort between the clubs, Palmerston North City Council as the park owner, the trust and major contractor John Leader, of Leader Electrical.
Takaro Netball president Tania Rosvall said having the lights on meant the club’s two social teams could train there on Wednesday nights. “It’s about ensuring if someone wants to get physically active, we have a place for them.”
Softball had also grown, with two adult and two junior teams using the park.
Central Energy Trust chairman Ruma Karaitiana said the club’s application for funds was compelling.
“It’s about community, and we are interested in helping this part of town.”
Karaitiana said it made sense to install lighting to stretch the time available for the community to participate and enjoy the park’s facilities.
City council parks activities manager Aaron Phillips said it had been a pleasure to work with the club on another project to enhance the park and its facilities for community use.
“Takaro Park has long been a pioneer in community amenities. From adjustable-height basketball hoops to outdoor exercise equipment and public toilets, it continues to evolve as a vibrant hub of activity.”
Phillips said the addition of floodlights further cemented the status of the park for recreation and social gatherings.
And next winter, the park will provide even more scope, when the back field currently closed for levelling is reopened.