After months of careful planning, preparation and groundwork, netball players get to enjoy the new courts and facilities at Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park.
Finishing touches will be put on the courts today in time for the first game at the Hastings Pak'N Save Netball Centre at 8.30am tomorrow morning.
"It's been a long time coming, but the facilities are great," Sports Park Trust chief executive, Jock Mackintosh said.
Some of the major improvements at the new courts include more sealed car parks, bigger spaces between the courts, places to fill drink bottles, better lighting and 18 courts instead of 12.
"The building has new change rooms, six toilets, and at the end we have a space for the umpires with change rooms and showers," Mr Mackintosh said.
An exciting initiative will also see painted plaques in the shape of netballs lining the side of the courts.
The plaques are for sale to the public at $30 for an individual or $60 for a family.
"We thought it would be a nice thing to do and it establishes ownership of the courts for the locals."
Already 36 of the plaques have been sold, but more people will have the opportunity to sign up at the open day on Saturday.
Anna Lorck has spent many hours watching, coaching and refereeing netball, with five girls in the Harvey-Lorck family who are all keen players.
"I think it's wonderful, but what would be great is when we can see Hastings and Napier playing together."
Brittney Lorck said the new courts would be a welcome change.
"It's a lot bigger and hopefully not as slippery - they look a lot nicer, too."
She plays her first game tomorrow.
Hawke's Bay sports park set to get ball rolling
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