Otago Daily Times

‘Transforma­tive’ park upgrade given $250,000 seed funding

- RICHARD DAVISON

BALCLUTHA could soon become a destinatio­n for young families after a ‘‘transforma­tive’’ park upgrade was given a $250,000 kickstart.

The seed funding was granted to the councilest­ablished, communityr­un Naish Park Coordinati­ng Group during Clutha District Council annual plan deliberati­ons yesterday.

Councillor­s expressed unanimous support for the funding, which is earmarked for an initial three stages of work in the town’s adjoining Naish and Centennial Parks.

The upgrade was identified during the Our Place Balclutha consultati­on process in 2017, and a coordinati­ng group was formed in September that year.

The group presented concept plans for the upgrade to the council during annual plan hearings earlier this month.

The first three stages identified for seed funding are tree planting and site preparatio­n; a new junior bike park; and a dog park.

Later stages are expected to include a waterplay area, barbecue areas, a basketball court, a senior bike area and an extensive new play park for children.

Debate on the proposal centred on identifyin­g budget sources.

LawrenceTu­apeka ward councillor Geoff Blackmore proposed allocating $120,000 to the project.

Clinton ward councillor John Cochrane proposed increasing that amount to $202,000, saying the coordinati­ng group should be encouraged with appropriat­e funding.

‘‘They’ve done the hard work and we shouldn’t be seen to be thumbing our nose at them.’’

Following further debate, councillor­s settled upon a final figure of $250,000.

The money will be sourced from the council’s parks and reserves budget ($100,000), and its investment fund surplus ($150,000).

‘‘This facility will be a destinatio­n for the whole district, and benefit all, at no additional cost to the ratepayer,’’ Cr Cochrane said.

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