Lighting project for Vogeltown Park

Will Johnston

Photo: Dave Lintott

Adaptability, flexibility and a well-needed upgrade are the reasons behind a new lighting project at Vogeltown Park. 

The New Plymouth Old Boys Rugby and Sports Club is the second club this year to publicly announce it will be replacing training lights to meet the needs of its members and community.

In August, on-field cross-town rivals, Tukapa Rugby and Sports Club, announced it would spend $150,000 on new lights, which are now in place at Sanders Park. Back then, Old boys were in the early stages of the project and finalising costs.   

The $200,000 project is ready to go at the Carrington Street venue to replace training lights built in the 1980s which are no longer fit-for-purpose. Field one will have lights strong enough for night matches, while its number two field will have training quality lights but sufficient for games. 

Old Boys outgoing chairman Roger Wells said rugby aims to meet the needs of club members, the rugby community with an intent to grow the game by providing flexible options.

“The ability to play night rugby would be beneficial for the senior and junior club, as it would free up the weekends for the players, their families and the supporters,” he said.

“It would also allow our facilities to be utilised more frequently taking pressure off very busy Saturday’s.”

It’s hoped the lights will also be used for others who utilise the venue such as golf frisbee and triathlon.

Old Boys sponsorship coordinator, Keith Mawson, said planning started prior to the club’s centenary in 2019. He said a focus and surplus funds from the event was put towards a lighting fund.

“We have funded from reserves which has come through careful management of our income and expenses over the past three years.”

He said the club is also looking to get assistance from club members and associated businesses and sponsors for ground, foundation and other work required.

Club sponsors PAK’nSAVE, BCD Group and Warren Bolton supported the project, with help from Toi Foundation, New Zealand Community Trust and Pelorus.

The New Plymouth District Council assisted with the planning stage and will help with reinstatement after the work has been completed.

With supply chain issues and inflation costs, the cost may increase, Mawson said.

He hopes to have the new lights installed by the end of April 2022 but will depend on delivery of the light fittings and poles from overseas.

Once completed, Vogeltown Park will join Sanders Park, TET Stadium, Hicks Park and the Rahotu Domain that all have quality lights.