Centennial Park sports ground in north Oamaru may get lights - not for big representative rugby games, but for junior rugby and training.
The Waitaki District Council has an application from the North Otago Rugby Union to transfer lights from Don Field, at Waitaki Boys' High School, to grounds eight and nine, between the main grandstand and Tamar St.
Yesterday, because of concerns raised by councillors, the council decided to delegate the decision on approvalto a Centennial Park subcommittee made up of Crs Jim Hopkins, Peter Garvan, Gus Young and Kevin Malcolm. They will get answers to issues raised and consider whether to give approval, which would also be subject to resource consent and an appropriate lease or licence being signed.
Cr Malcolm, in particular, could see some major issues with the proposal, including the small size of the ground, the effect on trees and car parking.Cr Hopkins initially thought it was a good idea, but then shared concerns over the issues raised by Cr Malcolm. He moved the decision be delegated to the subcommittee.
Recreation manager Erik van der Sperk said one of the reasons the union wanted lighting was to play junior rugby on Friday nights instead of Saturdays. It would also be used as a second training field for the Heartland North Otago team, possibly for some night games and for the Old Boys club to use for training. The union wanted the lights installed for this year's season, he said. The northern part of the area next to St Kevin's College was used for the permanent softball diamond, but North Otago Softball had no objection to the lights and could use them, along with athletics.
Union chief executive officer Colin Jackson said six poles with lights at Don Field would be moved and used until 8.30pm, which would not affect neighbours.
''The benefit of this proposal would have a positive impact on well over 10% of our population, which is significant,'' Mr Jackson said.
