Howick Domain’s refreshed courts are back in use, giving local families and residents more ways to get active, play sport and enjoy a familiar community space.
The court renewal has transformed the existing asphalt courts with a new concrete playing surface, three new basketball hoops, mobile tennis and pickleball nets, and refreshed line marking. The surrounding fencing has also been repaired, with new pedestrian and vehicle gates installed and rust treatment completed where needed.
Tennis remains part of Howick Domain, with people still able to play at the same location. The difference is that the renewed courts are now a shared space that can also be used for basketball and pickleball, giving more people more ways to enjoy the facility.
The Howick Local Board supported the improvements with an investment of around $290,000.
Howick Local Board chair Bruce Kendall says the benefits will extend well beyond the neighbourhood.
“We want our parks and facilities to be places people genuinely use and enjoy, and that means making them work for a changing community. This is an investment in a much bigger picture, helping people stay active, bringing different generations together and adding another accessible recreation option for people across Howick and East Auckland.”
Howick Domain is already a busy local park, tucked among homes and surrounded by established trees that provide shade and shelter. It has a playground, toilets, fitness equipment, picnic areas, skate features and a basketball half-court, as well as being home to local sporting clubs including Howick Tennis Club.
The renewed courts add another option for people to get moving, meet up with friends or try something new. With pickleball continuing to attract interest, the mobile nets give people the opportunity to give it a go without the need for a dedicated court.
For a space that has been part of Howick for many years, the renewal gives the courts a fresh lease of life. Now it’s over to the community to get out there, have a hit, shoot some hoops, try pickleball and make the most of the space.
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