Pioneer Park Pickleball Turf Upgrade: A brand-new sports turf at Pioneer Park in Alexandra, New Zealand, is now ready for use after a $345,000 upgrade finished earlier this month. The improved surface will support tennis, pickleball, and field hockey, giving locals of all ages a safer, high-quality place to play.
Upgrade Part of Long-Term Plan
Jayden Cromb, chairman of the Vincent Community Board, said the turf replacement was part of the Central Otago District Council’s earlier long-term plan. Many residents had shared concerns about the old turf, which had become unsafe due to poor drainage and low traction. “A lot of users had complained that the turf had reached the end of its useful life,” Jayden Cromb said.
“Plenty of kids playing hockey here have fallen over slipping around because the drainage underneath wasn’t great either and the traction on it was terrible.” – (Cromb)
Turf Designed for Multiple Sports
The new turf includes lines for field hockey, nets for tennis, and markings for pickleball. Jayden Cromb said this work will benefit players of all ages and sporting interests.
“It’s been marked out for kids to be able to play hockey and practise hockey on in the weekends.” – (Cromb)
“Still not 100% sure what that [pickleball] is, but apparently it’s becoming very popular.” – (Cromb)
Cost Covers Long-Term Improvements
Jayden Cromb said the $345,000 cost may seem high, but it covered removing the old turf, fixing the concrete, improving drainage, and dealing with nearby tree roots.
Mr. Cromb said that while $345,000 might seem like a lot, the cost was worth it. The project included removing the old turf, putting in new concrete, fixing drainage, and handling tree roots. This will help the new turf last longer and give the community good value for the money spent.
“So it’s obviously a really good update of a really well-used facility.” – (Cromb)
Part of a Larger Plan for Sports Facilities
The Pioneer Park turf is one of several upgrades happening across Central Otago. Omakau received a turf update last year. The council is now talking with residents about adding full-sized turfs at Dunstan High School and Maniototo Area School.
“So that’s obviously happening in the hockey world, and there’s always conversations going on about other sports and what we can do better.” – (Cromb)
News in Brief: Pioneer Park Pickleball Turf Upgrade
A $345,000 turf upgrade at Pioneer Park in Alexandra is complete. The new surface is designed for hockey, pickleball, and tennis. Part of a larger regional plan, the project improves safety and playability, with added drainage and markings for various sports, supporting players of all ages in Central Otago.