New sports turf good for school and neighbours
RUNNING, jumping, skipping, hockey and probably futsal — but definitely not cricket.
Columba College principal Pauline Duthie is already thinking of the possible uses for the school’s new $150,000 allweather sports turf.
‘‘It’s a bit too close to the school’s administration building [and its windows] for cricket.’’
Mrs Duthie said earthworks for the facility started late last year and construction of the asphalt, artificial turf and fencing were about to begin.
‘‘It’s on the junior school site because it’s the only flatish land that we have.
‘‘It will be great for them to have an allweather surface to play on for the whole year around, rather than just on the days when it’s not muddy and sodden.
‘‘It will have an added benefit for the whole school, in the sense that we can use it for some hockey practices and things along those lines.’’
She said the school community started fundraising for the facility in 2019 by holding fairs and a golf day.
Funding was also received from the school’s parents’ association and the Community Trust of Otago.
The project was being done in consultation with the neighbouring Yvette Williams Retirement Village, which would have direct views of the turf.
‘‘They’re quite excited by that, because there are huge benefits for the residents, apparently, with watching young people play.
‘‘They’ll get a lot of enjoyment from it.’’
The project was expected to be finished by midApril this year, she said.
‘‘It’s a really exciting way to start the school year. We’re thrilled.’’