Taihape park spruce-up

Taihape’s Memorial Park is in line for a new amenities block, including showers, toilets and changing rooms.

Although a timeline hasn’t been reached, the Rangitı¯kei District Council has stated its preferred option is to build the $1.18 million block between the third playing field and netball courts in a joint project with Clubs Taihape.

Despite the club contributing $500,000 towards the project, a further $580,000 needs to be raised.

The council consulted with residents and sports groups last year about the prospect of losing the existing 93-year-old neglected grandstand at the park. Some felt it was worth fighting for the old iconic structure, while others weren’t prepared to let nostalgia write a big bill – about $2.4m to strengthen, upgrade and refurbish.

Instead, the club suggested a single-storey building, or two buildings link together, on the old croquet green. That location best served all park users – rugby, netball, tennis, equestrian and events such as the A & P Show.

The building would home toilets, showers and changing rooms, which the park was required to provide, community and leisure services team leader Gaylene Prince said.

A second building would include a space for Club Taihape and other events.

The existing covered grandstand, used by the Taihape Rugby Club, has seating on the first floor and changing rooms and an open shower block on the ground floor.

‘‘The changing rooms are uninsulated and have seen better days.

‘‘The setup of the shower means they are only suitable for rugby.’’

The council initially said it would retain the grandstand but no commitment has been made.

The modest and cramped toilet block at the park’s Kokako St entrance would also be replaced.