Earlier start on Porritt Park hockey surface

Press, 5 February 1986, Page 9

Earlier start on Porritt Park hockey surface

Construction of an artificial hockey surface at Porritt Park is likely to start towards the end of the 1986 season. The Christchurch City Council’s parks and recreation committee yesterday adopted a recommendation that its officers prepare estimates of the cost of the surface, and negotiate on the type of articial carpet to be laid. The project will be in three parts — the subbase, (including drainage), an articifical sur-

face, and lighting. Tenders are likely to be called for the sub-base and lighting, but because the artificial carpets vary substantially in type, quality and price, it is proposed that the contract for the surface be by quotation and not tender. Council officers have been asked to compile a report on costs to go to the parks and recreation committee’s April meeting. In December the Lottery Board granted

$300,000 towards the cost of the Porritt Park surface. This enabled the council, in association with the Canterbury Hockey Artificial Surface Appeal Committee, to start the project sooner than envisaged. The appeal committee has told the council that it will be able to meet its commitment of $150,000 in five instalments by August 31 this year. Total contributions available are $550,000. The 1985 estimate for the project was $511,680.

The appeal committee’s chairman, Dr Bruce Penfold, said last evening he was pleased the recommendation had been adopted. The committee still had to raise its $150,000 but plans were afoot and it was determined to get the money. “It will be a challenge for the Canterbury hockey administration to get the best use from the park and keep faith with the clubs. It will be important to get the clubs behind” the park management,” Dr Penfold said.