"The new floodlighting will provide more time to train and play sports, and that's going to have a positive impact on the wellbeing for our young athletes," Crockford said.
With a growing population in Papamoa, there was an increased demand on the use of sports fields.
Lighting played an important role in increasing capacity, as well as providing flexibility for when the fields can be used.
It is usual for coaching to be carried out in the evenings when volunteers are available, and floodlights are able to provide the required lighting to accommodate this.
New Zealand Community Trust's national grants manager, Ben Hodges, said the trust was passionate about helping Kiwis play sport.
"We were keen to support the new floodlighting because it allows the sports fields to be used during winter evenings for soccer, rugby and league training.
"It'll mean more kids and adults can get out onto the field and enjoy their sport all year round," he said.
The decision to install floodlights at Gordon Spratt Reserve aligned with the Council's strategic approach to increased participation in sport and active living opportunities, as well as supporting the maintenance and development of Tauranga sports fields for community sport.
Council had agreed to maintain and depreciate the lights within their asset management framework.
