Going the distance
As soon as the gates to Hunterville School open in the morning, pupils are making a beeline for the fitness track.
The $34,000 circuit is a joint venture by Hunterville School, Hunterville Veterinarian Clinic and Rangitı¯kei District Council to offer everyone an outdoor workout area that’s free.
Established three years ago, the 720-metre existing circuit is now earmarked for a 460m extension, and 10 fitness stations.
Pupils Phoenix Whiteside and Lara Watson said the track catered for everyone, and could be a place for people who preferred to workout outdoors, those who could not afford gym memberships or pass the time for anyone who wandered through Hunterville.
Both pupils were headed to secondary school next year, but said they would return to the track once it was upgraded.
‘‘I think it’s going to be great. I live in town so I’ll still come back when I leave,’’ Phoenix said.
Board of trustees chairman Richard Gower said the proposed track circumnavigated the school field, cricket field and rugby domain. By the time it was completed in March, it would be more than 1.2 kilometres.
A drinking fountain would be fitted about halfway around, and the town’s vet club has given $10,000 to building the equipment and signage.
Hunterville residents took great pride in their town and had volunteered hours of their time toward the project.
‘‘The school is very proud of its smart appearance, too, and enjoys being a hub of the Hunterville community.
‘‘Once installed, it will be an asset that will make residents proud to own and the envy to many visitors from out of the town.’’
The latest project continues investment in the Rangitı¯kei town, which started with four multi-purpose courts built about 11 years ago, the refurbishment of the town’s neglected squash courts, and an upgrade of the community swimming pool.