Hastings community celebrates another beautiful space

SPLASHING AROUND: Crowds of children and their families enjoyed playing in the newly-opened Havelock North Village Green on Saturday. Photo/Duncan Brown.

The Hastings community was out in full swing on Saturday as hundreds attended the official opening of the new Village Green in Havelock North.

After undergoing a once-in-a-generation upgrade funded by the Mackersey Family Trust the playground was swamped by children, parents and grandparents who spent the day enjoying the new water features, swings, climbing frames and skate park.

Hastings deputy mayor Sandra Hazelhurst said the project had been an incredible journey with many wonderful people working hard to see the finished result.

"The opening was an absolute celebration of the people that made it happen. The atmosphere was buzzing and there were so many people who attended," she said.

At the opening Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule made a point to remind the crowd of the history of the park and pavillion, which had once been an excellent vantage point from which to watch sport before roading changes left it isolated and underused.

He thanked those who pushed for the upgrade particularly the Mackersey Family Trust whose bulk of the funding allowed it to happen.

"I want to recognise the outstanding efforts of everyone. In particular the councillors and myself felt that the contribution of the Mackersey family should be recognised in the renaming of the building. David and Jane, on behalf of the community, please accept our sincere thanks."

David Mackersey responded by saying the family was "honoured and delighted" to assist with a community project "that is all about the children".

The Mackersey family's substantial contribution to the revamped Havelock North Village Green was recognised earlier this year when the cricket pavilion was renamed the "Mackersey Family Pavilion" following their contribution of $150,000 to the project.

Saturday's opening was accompanied by entertainment from the Kahurangi Dance Group, Iona College, Woodford House, Hereworth School and Havelock North Intermediate School before new outdoor table tennis tables were put to good use by the community.

While the council is already looking at ways to improve other parts of Hastings, such as Cornwall Park and Windsor Park, Ms Hazelhurst said the new Village Green was a beautiful public space to be proud of.

"It's going to be an absolute gem in our crown," Ms Hazelhurst said.