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Sausage sizzle social events held outside in the car park at Metro Park East in Millwater, which sometimes have to be abandoned when it rains, are wearing thin for the users of the sports grounds.
They are hoping to make progress on creation of a small ‘Pavilion’ building where social gatherings such as prizegivings can be held – it would also provide toilets, changing rooms and storage facilities for the members of local athletics, football, rugby and cricket clubs who use the grounds.
The building would be located between the grass playing fields and the car park on Millwater Parkway. One of the options being considered is a structure that utilises shipping containers.
Building the facility, along with another, larger indoor sports centre, were key recommendations in a feasibility study commissioned from Opus last year and paid for by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board.
Last month the group that represents users of Metro Park East, the Metro Park Community Sports Charitable Trust, approached the local board asking for $100,000 towards the building of the Pavilion.
They would use this funding as a starting point so they can apply to foundations and sponsors for further funds.
Currently, cricket, athletics and hockey clubs are based at the park, with other codes using the fields for overflow training and games.
The trustees say that netball, squash, tennis, basketball, futsal, badminton, volleyball and softball clubs are also interested in making Metro Park East a home base.
A working group has been formed, and a further report commissioned from Opus by Auckland Council, about options for outdoor courts and associated parking.
In their presentation to the board, Trustees Jeff Olufson and Merv Huxford said that as the park gets busier, planning for the provision of adequate facilities, such as the Pavilion, is a priority for the Trust.
Local board chair Julia Parfitt says that the funding could potentially come from operating expenses that have not been spent this financial year. She says a report next month will focus on which projects can be brought forward utilising this funding.
