New sports hub opened at Owen Delany Park
Members of Owen Delany’s family (centre) with Mayor John Funnell, councillors, contractors and council project staff at the opening.
Councillor Rachel Cameron and Taupō District Mayor John Funnell cut the ribbon at the new community sports hub.
Taupō District Mayor John Funnell said it was particularly significant to have Owen Delany’s sons and daughters at the opening given the entire area is named after the man known in his time as ‘Mr Sport’. Owen Delany’s original vision for a district sports hub has now grown into a park where 14 different codes are housed. The project was also a passion of former Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas who had close links to the park and to King Country Rugby.
Some $5 million of the funding came from the government’s Better Off fund and the remainder, $350,000, came from the NZ Lottery Grant Board and the NZ Community Gaming Trust.
Rebecca Huckle, programme manager at National Infrastructure Funding & Financing, which administers the government’s Better Off funding, said the project was selected for the $5 million funding because it was seen to be of benefit to the whole community.
“We wanted something that would be used and be an asset to the community without burdening the council with extra rates needing to be paid and extra fundraising, so it’s been a really good outcome.”
She said it was a pleasure to be at the opening and see the project come to life.
“It’s fantastic, it’s such a brilliant building and facility, for the community and those who come into the community from outside to participate in sport and any of the events that are here.”
The sports hub building represents stage two of a planned three-stage major plan of improvements to Owen Delany Park. Stage one was new floodlights for the stadium sportsground, completed in 2024, stage two is the new sports hub and stage three will be seismic strengthening of the grandstand and corporate facilities.
The facility opening came just in time for the Global Games Junior Girls Rugby Festival which kicks off on Friday this week and the Global Games NZ Junior Rugby Sport Festival which begins on Thursday 17 September.
