Portobello Community Inc received $70,000 to create an accessible pump track facility in the local Portobello area. The Portobello Domain Pump Track will be a looped and asphalted sequence of berms and bumps. accessible to people on bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and wheelchairs. The project is estimated to cost about $200,000.
Pump track project manager Dan Parker said the grant would give the project momentum.
‘‘The peninsula pump track will be popular for people of all ages and stages," he said.
Mr Parker said the harbour cycleway terminated in Portobello, and he believed it would be a great addition.
The Otago Community Trust awarded almost $1 million in grants to community causes in Otago last month. The charitable trust provides grants to community projects it believes make positive and significant contributions to Otago. Last month was its first grants round of the year, and $907,590 was distributed.
Otago Community Trust chairman Diccon Sim said the funding would support 47 community organisations.
"We are encouraged to see this many community groups applying for funding for a wide variety of projects and events, despite the uncertainty Covid-19 causes," Mr Sim said.
The Araiteuru Marae Council received $91,000 to assist with building repairs to the kaumatua flats, which are domiciles dedicated to the elderly and located within the Araiteuru Marae grounds.
"This project will ensure a much-needed upgrade to the flats so that they meet the healthy homes standard as they house the kaumatua and kaitiaki involved in the Araiteuru Marae and the wider community it serves," Mr Sim said.
Araiteuru Marae spokeswoman Miranda Buhler said the funding was welcome because the flats had deteriorated over the past few years.
The Otago University Students’ Association received $150,000 to upgrade its Clubs and Societies building on Albany St
OUSA CEO Debbie Downs said her organisation was extremely grateful for the funding.
‘‘This grant will be put towards the necessary renovations of our iconic building,’’ Ms Downs said.
Other beneficiaries of significant grants were the Lake Hawea Community Centre, the Creative Arts Trust–Artsenta, and Journeys Charitable Trust.
Trust chief executive Barbara Bridger said she wanted Otago community groups to know the organisation was open to funding requests.
"People are welcome to call Otago Community Trust at 0800 101-240 if they have questions around funding," she said.
