The 11-hectare Rautawhiri Park is a popular Helensville community asset and home to many sports codes. Over the past 20 years its facilities have been developed to include a community building, tennis and netball courts, football fields, a children’s playground, a skate park and an extensive walkable parkland. Last year the project was identified as a priority in the Rodney Local Board’s Recreational Walkways and Bike Trials programme.
Several fitness stations generously donated by the Lions Club of Helensville have been installed along the new 700 metre path, which will eventually be part of a 2km perimeter path linking the park’s facilities, walkway and exercising circuit. The $2.3 million upgrade also includes new surfaces for netball and tennis courts, improved drainage, new nets, hoops, fences and lights. “This investment enables people to use and enjoy a major sports and recreation facility throughout the year,” explains Committee Chair Brent Bailey. “The improvements are well-timed, with the new housing development going in across the road and the area’s growing population.”
With much of the project completed, on Sunday 17 February Rodney Local Board hosted an event celebrating the park’s recent upgrade. The park was formally blessed by a local Kaumâtua and officially opened by Mayor Phil Goff. Auckland Council, Rodney Local Board, Lions Club of Helensville and Kaipara Netball were all represented.
As well as families coming to enjoy the afternoon, Helensville Tennis club hosted Orewa Tennis Club for their annual challenge. The kids loved watching demonstrations from champion skateboarder Umberto Skinner and Pro BMX rider Jaden Leeming, whose interaction with the kids was awesome.
Thank you to community volunteers who showed off their tennis and netball skills and
to Kaipara College students for live music and a barbecue on the day.”
