Growing numbers of junior cricketers in Central Otago are the catalyst for two new artificial cricket pitches to be constructed in Cromwell.
The project has won the support of the Central Lakes Trust, which recently donated $12,308 for the cricket pitches to be built at Cromwell Primary School and Goldfields Primary School.
Otago Country Cricket Association board member Graeme Buttar said more young cricketers in the district meant a shortfall of available cricket pitches, especially on Saturdays.
''Probably in the last two years, the number of junior cricketers [years 3-10] has grown by 25-30%, with most of the growth in the Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell area,'' Mr Buttar said. The two new pitches would be used for training and coaching, for ''have-a-go'' cricket, and Saturday games for children in years 3-6.
''They will be an asset for the wider community and the schools as well as helping to cater for the growing number of cricketers.''
Cricket players from Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, Maniototo and Roxburgh took part in the weekly competition and the new wickets would also be used by some teams to cut down on travel. The grant will be used to build two concrete slabs which will be covered in artificial grass.
The donation was among $50,643 distributed by the trust this month: Age Concern Otago's Central Otago service received a grant of $15,000.
The money will go towards the co-ordinator's salary and operating costs. The service caters for 185 people in the district.
Age Concern provides an elder abuse and neglect prevention service, accredited visitor service and an active ageing centre for activities and social work support.
A grant of $9500 has been given for a new heating and ventilation system in the Alexandra Community Centre.
The facility, which includes a hall, kitchen and senior citizens' rooms, is used by about 5000 people a year.
The Alexandra Toy Library received $5555 for storage bags and containers for its toys, puzzles, games and dress-up clothes.
Up to 40 members of non-profit groups in the district have had their registration to conferences subsidised by the trust.
Social Service Providers Aotearoa is holding a conference titled (SSPA) Collaboration and Innovation for Vulnerable Children and Whanau in Invercargill on October 9 and 10 and the trust has given $1300 so up to 10 members of non-profit organisations in the trust region can attend.
A ''Tools for Practice'' conference will be staged by Infant Mental Health Association Aotearoa New Zealand in Queenstown in April and the trust has given a grant of $6000 so up to 30 people from charities in the trust region can receive subsidised registration to that conference.
