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Cooks Gardens sports turf

$250,000

Upgrading the Cooks Gardens' sports turf will allow Wanganui to host more national and international events like athletics and rugby, and retain traditional events such as equestrian and concerts.The proposed upgrade, at a cost of $250,000, will involve excavating the field and installing a drainage and irrigation system. The excavated field is then back-filled with sand, which will allow the turf to handle heavy rain during events. However, annual maintenance costs will increase from $25,500 to approximately $51,500 and Cooks Gardens may no longer be able to host events like the rodeo and auto sports. Equestrian events require significant and costly ground repair work following an event.

                         

Haig Elgar, Wanganui Rugby Union:
"I want to watch Super 12 and Warriors pre-competition matches, NZ Football Championship Summer League football matches and other 'top class' sports in Wanganui - we all can if the Cooks Gardens' playing surface is upgraded."

"We've all heard and read about other cities cashing in on the economic benefits and profile associated with hosting national sports events - Wanganui is currently missing out. Upgrading Cooks Gardens' playing surface will be good for all the people of Wanganui, whether you like sports or not. That's why it will get my 'tick' in the referendum."

Wanganui District Council Web site