A 7000sq m BMX track included in plans to extend Havelock's Guthrie Park is expected to see a resurgence of the sport in the Bay.
Romanes Reserve, an empty plot on Romanes Dr, will be transformed to accommodate a new soccer field and a national standard BMX track. An entrance to the extended park will be fed by Romanes Dr and run parallel to the Karituwhenua Stream, providing ample parking. A bridge will also be constructed allowing for foot traffic over the stream, which separates the pre-existing Guthrie Park from the reserve.
Guthrie Park, which is situated on Brookvale Rd, is home to three large soccer fields and one junior soccer field. The park has one of the largest junior soccer clubs in the non-metropolitan North Island. Havelock North also hosts one of the largest junior rugby clubs. Hastings district councillor Wayne Bradshaw said the extended park would act as an "attractor" for junior sports.
Mr Bradshaw said the park would exist in a "prime location," to attract young people to the new facilities. The park's position near Napier Rd and Crosses Rd was an opportune point of convergence.
A BMX track already exists on a small portion of the reserve. Hawke's Bay BMX Club chairman Anthony Shaw said it was in need of an update.