South Wairarapa cricket enthusiasts will soon have a new artificial pitch and nets at Martinborough’s Coronation Park. Space restrictions at the current pitch located at Martinborough School and wet weather disruptions are responsible for setting this plan into motion.

The project has been a collaborative effort between Martinborough Junior Cricket Club, the team at Wine Makers of Martinborough, and South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC). Early stages of this project saw sports clubs contribute their thoughts and ideas, ensuring that the new cricket facilities integrated well with the other sporting activities at Coronation Park. 

“The Martinborough Junior Cricket Club is delighted that we have been able to progress with installing a new artificial wicket in Martinborough. Our older Hardball teams haven’t been able to play home games this year, so it’s fantastic that we can start hosting these games in Martinborough again” shares Steph Jaspers, Martinborough Junior Cricket Club Coordinator.

“We couldn’t have got this project off the ground without the huge amount of support we have had from the Winemakers of Martinborough Senior Cricket Team as they have been instrumental in helping with the ground mapping, ground preparation and organising the contractors etc. to get the pitch ready.  A huge thanks also goes to South Wairarapa District Council for supporting us in this project.”

Martinborough Junior Cricket and the senior team have led the development, liaising with contractors to have the pitch and practice nets completed by Christmas. Funding support has come from the community, local contractors, grants and SWDC. Moving forward, SWDC will be responsible for maintaining the concrete foundations and the Martinborough Cricket clubs will maintain the nets and the artificial turf surfacing.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the clubs on this project which is a great example of collaboration and partnership between the community and council,” says James O’Connor, Manager Community Operations at SWDC.