Council acquired an additional 13ha of land adjacent to the Karaka Sports Ground in late 2007. Over the last year, Council has been working with the Karaka Sports Ground Society and other user groups to prepare a concept plan for the future development of the park. This has involved a workshop with user groups, questionnaires and feedback received from user groups, and a public open day where two different plans were presented for feedback.
The concept plan has now been endorsed by both the Sports Ground Society and Council, and can be viewed here. This is a very exciting development which will provide a great community asset for Franklin.
A range of formal sports facilities will be developed and a park will also be created that will creat a ‘heart’ for Karaka. Walkways, plantings, childrens play areas and areas for community events are all identified on the concept plan. The connection between the park and the Memorial Hall is a key feature, which will create an environment where many varied activities can take place.
For the longer term the concept plan includes potential space for artificial sports turfs and a new multi-use clubrooms which could include indoor sports facilities.
Council has allocated $1.8 million towards the development of the sports park. The next year will see the concept plan taken down to the detailed design level, including engineering plans, earthworks and how drainage on the park will be managed. Resource consents (primarily for earthworks and drainage) will also be obtained. Council will continue to work in partnership with the Karaka Sports Ground Society on the park development.