Sportspeople in Central have had their fingers crossed for years, and one local woman has spent 13 years on the project; a new turf for Molyneux Park. 

A new artificial turf in Alexandra is no longer a pipe dream, as the Central Otago District Council (CODC) has agreed to provide a $300,000 grant in the long term plan toward the project.

With a $1.8M price tag the new facility is a joint project between Dunstan High School (DHS), the Vincent Community Board, and Molyneux Turf Incorporated (MTI).

DHS director of sport Sally Mullally said tallying up the years she’d been “battling” for the new turf was a bit of a shock.

“It’s almost like the first ten years went by so quickly, how did that happen?

“Then once we hit the ten year mark, people began to take it more seriously and really listen.”

The proposal for the turf location has changed over time; firstly it was to be beside the ice rink, then the Alexandra Pool, and then nearer the Central Otago netball courts.

The site of the old tennis courts at DHS has been agreed and the Ministry of Education will provide the land for the new artificial turf.

An independent feasibility study completed in 2024 recommended that MTI will own the turf, facilitate the construction and maintenance of the surface, and manage community bookings. Operating revenue will be sourced through user charges, sponsorship and grants.

Sally said the hope was to begin construction in November and that having things up and running for next hockey season was a possibility.

The artificial turf could be used by several sporting codes, easing pressure on field space at Molyneux Park, and allowing training closer to home for many residents in Central. 

The study stated projected use is 1,400 hours per annum, which is double the use of any existing artificial surface in Central. The financial impact on the Cromwell turf was estimated to be less than $3K per year.

“It’s chocker in Cromwell, this won’t impact what they’ve got [there].. that will still be a home for hockey in Central Otago.”

Hockey, Rugby, Football, Futsal, Cricket and other education providers have all indicated an interest in the facility. 

The turf is planned to be a sand based turf with a life span in 12-15 years. Funding the cost of resurfacing ($37K per year required to fund surface renewal after 12 years) is achievable according to the study with income coming from turf hire, sponsorship, fundraising, DHS contributions and an annual CODC contribution of 15K. 

Central's Chris Galbraith and Sally Mullally with the sporting codes who will make use of a new multipart artificial turf in Alexandra. PHOTO: The Central App

Another local behind the project Chris Galbraith said funding applications were in the works to local funders including Central Lakes Trust, Lotteries, Otago Community Trust and Aotearoa Gaming Trust. 

“There’s a good bunch of people on the organising and fundraising committees, so many people are working hard to get this over the line. We've even had people already offer to donate their time and expertise,” Chris said.

Along with fundraising the $1.5M shortfall, the project had other complexities such as consent requirements, project management, asphalt removal and disposal, timing and phasing options, which all would be worked through.

Find out more about the project or offer help, email Sally on [email protected]

Maniototo Area School is also going to get an artificial multisport surface after a $200,000 grant for an artificial turf project was also included in the long-term plan last week.

The Central App will keep readers updated about the milestones for the new turf projects.

Read more: Artificial turf projects in Central on track

Read more: Group plans multi-purpose sports turf for Alexandra

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