Gordon Spratt Reserve will be getting a lot more use thanks to floodlighting that is being installed at three of its playing fields before the winter sports season begins.

The community-led project has been steered by the Gordon Spratt Users Forum and supported by Tauranga City Council.

Project Tauranga partners, New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT), TECT and The Lion Foundation generously donated the necessary funds to enable the project to come to fruition.

'There are a number of different community sports groups who regularly use these fields," says Clare Crockford, Papamoa Football Club Captain.

"The new floodlighting will provide more time to train and play sports, and that's going to have a positive impact on the wellbeing for our young athletes.”

With a growing population in Papamoa, there is an increased demand on the use of sports fields.

Lighting plays an important role in increasing capacity, as well as providing flexibility for when the fields can be used.

It is usual for coaching to be carried out in the evenings when volunteers are available, and floodlights are able to provide the required lighting to accommodate this.

'NZCT is passionate about helping Kiwis play sport. We were keen to support the new floodlighting because it allows the sports fields to be used during winter evenings for soccer, rugby and league training," says NZCT's National Grants Manager, Ben Hodges.

"It'll mean more kids and adults can get out onto the field and enjoy their sport all year round.”

The decision to install floodlights at Gordon Spratt Reserve aligns with the Council's strategic approach to increase participation in sport and active living opportunities, as well as supporting the maintenance and development of Tauranga sports fields for community sport.

Council has agreed to maintain and depreciate the lights within their asset management framework.