Netball courts spruced up in time for upcoming season

Rodney Netball players have something to celebrate at last, with Auckland Council carrying out $41,000 of improvements on four courts at Wellsford’s Centennial Park over the Christmas period.

The revamp includes resurfacing all four courts and marking up two courts for multi-use, complete with two new tennis nets and basketball hoops.

The former tennis courts at the top of the sports complex had been the subject of numerous concerns and complaints from players and administrators, following serious deterioration in the playing surface.

This was compounded in October, when Netball Rodney was told that long-awaited repairs were again being delayed by Auckland Council, due to budget constraints.

The news prompted a spirited and heartfelt deputation to Rodney Local Board by Netball Rodney committee members, Netball Northern reps and players from teams throughout the region, on behalf of the 700-plus players who use the centre every season (MM, Oct 28).

Netball Rodney president Kelly Ayres said at the time they appreciated council marking up the old tennis courts for netball, but that was only ever a temporary measure.

“They’ve become a health and safety issue. We’ve used them for two years, but they have caused significant injuries,” she said.

Rodney’s acting area manager for parks and community facilities, Mike Feather, said last week the improvements were a temporary measure to address Netball Rodney’s safety concerns and to enable netball to be played safely over the upcoming season.

“A hard-court surface contractor was engaged to review and provide a temporary solution,” he said.

“The temporary repairs should provide a surface for safe use for ball sports for up to two years.”
Feather said the $41,000 cost was being funded by Rodney Local Board’s asset renewal budget.

Netball Rodney expressed its thanks to council for getting the courts game-ready, as well as all its members for their support.

Netball Rodney’s AGM is being held on Thursday, February 20 at the centre’s office at Centennial Park, starting 7pm.