Vandals damage new Lancaster Park turf

Less than a month after it was reopened to the public the turf at Lancaster Park has been hit by vandals.

Overnight a vehicle broke through temporary fencing which is blocking off the last entrance to the park where contractors are still installing bollards and completing perimeter concreting work.

“It’s so disappointing to see someone has deliberately driven onto the turf at Lancaster Park and ripped up parts of the brand new grass and soil,” Christchurch City Council Head of Parks Andrew Rutledge says.

“Coupled with the fact that the fence had to be physically removed, it is clear to see from the damage that this wasn’t merely a mistake Fortunately the damage is fairly minor and localised and off the sports fields themselves so weekend winter sport won’t be affected.”

The incident has been reported to Police and repairs will be completed by contractors as soon as ground and weather conditions allow.

“We worked incredibly hard on delivering this much anticipated asset to the public and have been so pleased to see sport back in action at the park with rugby and football through the winter,” Mr Rutledge says.

“It’s particularly frustrating for the local sports clubs and Charlesworth and Phillipstown communities who have barely had any time to use their new park before this damaged occurred.”

Mr Rutledge says the wider public will also be disappointed by the thoughtless treatment of the grounds as a lot of people hold special memories of Lancaster Park that have recently come to the fore with its reopening.

The new park was unveiled to the public on June 19 for the first time since the former stadium was damaged beyond repair in the 2011 earthquake.

It is now used for community-level sport as well as a recreational space for the wider community.