New Zealand Community Trust has awarded the Eastern Bay of Plenty District Trust a $75,000 grant to upgrade key facilities at Racecourse Park in Te Teko, Whakatane, improving infrastructure, helping to transform the facility and continue to serve the community for years to come. 

Racecourse Park, originally home to horse racing, is now a key community asset, hosting a wide range of events, from equestrian competitions to weddings, community gatherings, and social activities.

With no other large public venue in the surrounding area, the upgrades help ensure it remains a versatile and much-needed facility for the Whakatane and Kawerau districts. 

"With these funds from NZCT we'll be able to upgrade Racecourse Park, making it both affordable and available for all members of our community to use," said president EDPDT, Bernie Joyes.

After losing their previous venue to Rotorua’s urban sprawl, Eventing BOP built a new cross-country course at Racecourse Park in just six short months. 

Photo supplied.

"We've worked hard to develop the site and this grant from NZCT enables us to complete important repairs and improvements to meet the growing needs of the community," said secretary/treasurer Donna Smit. 

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, said, "Community spaces like Racecourse Park are at the heart of what makes a region special.

Photo supplied.

"We’re delighted the funds we raise through our responsible gaming fundraising partnership with Cobb&Co Whakatane make such a positive contribution to the community.”