Popular sport gets permanent court in Maraenui

Published: 6 December 2023

An idea that bounced from the community to Napier City Council has brought a new kind of buzz to Maraenui’s Bledisloe Road Reserve.

Council ran with community advocate Barbara Abbott’s request for a basketball court and turned it into a reality.

The temporary half court installed earlier this year has proved so popular that it has become a permanent feature.

Some of the best ideas come from Council and community working together, says Councillor Maxine Boag.

“Play is about much more than having a playground available for the kids. People of all ages should have the opportunity to be active.”

“The whole reserve looks fantastic. During my time on Council, the stage, the toilets and the old Plunket Rooms have been upgraded, and Council has put in a beautiful splash pad, free BBQs, a playground and a skate bowl. It’s something we – community and council – should be proud of.”

The official opening is being held this Wednesday afternoon.

Seating will also be added to the reserve, and further landscaping will finish it off.

Changes to roading and a reconfiguration of the Maraenui Shops car park in 2021 were the first of the improvements to be made to this area.

Basketball half courts have featured in recent Council improvements to Petane, Essex Street (Tamatea) and Roberts Terrace (Maraenui) recreational reserves.

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