Facilities, Parks and playgrounds, Sport & recreation  |  12h ago

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It’s going to be a good rugby league season for the Linwood Keas – on and off the field.

The sports club is thrilled with the new Council changing facility that opened last month at Linwood Park, where it has been named the primary tenant for the upcoming winter rugby league season.

Keas Rugby League President Rebekah Hoeta says the completion of the new changing rooms marks a significant milestone for the club, which is the largest for the code in Canterbury.

“This investment, after a long period of inadequate facilities, is an important step in ensuring our players and members have access to safe, quality environments that reflect the scale and strength of our community.

“The development is part of a broader vision to enhance Linwood Park and better support not only our club, but the wider East Christchurch community we serve. With a high number of our rangatahi walking to and from trainings, we have a strong responsibility to prioritise their safety and wellbeing.”

The new facility, located next to Te Pou Toetoe Linwood Pool, includes two gender neutral changing facilities for teams and two for officials, as well as two external facing toilets for public use. Having gender neutral facilities means the changing rooms can be used for both male and female teams, with Linwood Keas having three female league teams in their club.

Linwood Park has undergone an upgrade in recent years, following a stint when it was used to provide temporary homes to Christchurch residents after the 2011 earthquakes. The units were removed in 2020 and the park returned to sports fields in 2024. Work on the changing facilities started in May 2025 and were completed last month.

Head of Parks Rupert Bool says the Council is pleased that Linwood residents have the park back for their use and enjoyment.

“It’s so important for communities to be able to connect through sport at local parks. The new facilities will be well-utilised and a great asset for residents.”

Ms Hoeta says the club has other plans it is working towards.

“Our focus now is developing dedicated clubrooms to bring us together in one central hub and to also improve lighting on Field 1. Enhanced lighting is critical to extending safe training hours, supporting evening activity, and ensuring our facilities are fit for purpose for a growing community.”