The project, led by local community group Teviot Prospects, plans to transform a rundown reserve into a vibrant hub catering to both residents and visitors. The site, home to an abandoned bowling club pavilion, deteriorating tennis courts, a children’s playground and a war memorial, will be revitalised as part of a $660,000 redevelopment plan.
Teviot Valley Community Board and Teviot Prospects member Mark Jessop said the reserve development group was thrilled to be making good progress on the sports and recreation hub.
‘‘It’s going to be fantastic long-term community asset and drawcard for the [Teviot] Valley and Millers Flat.
‘‘We have been approved $198,000 from Central Lakes Trust and $150,000 from Otago Community Trust. We have now submitted our request to Lotteries so hopefully we will know by September how much funding we have in total.’’
The funding success to date meant all three elements of the project — children’s playground and barbecue, pump track for skaters, scooters and small bikes and netball-tennis-pickleball-basketball courts would all go ahead.
The plan was to turn a reserve, which at present housed an abandoned bowling club pavilion and greens, dilapidated tennis courts, playground and a war memorial, into a sport and recreation hub to service the local community and attract visitors.
The idea for the hub emerged when the cost of upgrading the tennis courts — used annually for the iconic Millers Flat seven-a-side tournament — was estimated at $435,000 by the Central Otago District Council. The 122-year-old tournament draws about 1000 children, coaches, teachers and supporters each August.
Teviot Prospects member and Millers Flat resident Pat Garden, who is leading the project, said the community steering group decided to take ownership of the initiative. In doing so, they expanded the vision to include a new pump track and upgraded playground facilities, increasing the total project cost to $660,000. However, the existing bowling club pavilion will not be part of the redevelopment.
Speaking at the recent Teviot Valley Community Board meeting, Mr Garden emphasised the development would come at no cost to the community board or the Central Otago District Council. The grant has been awarded directly to Teviot Prospects, who will oversee the financial management of the project on behalf of the Millers Flat Recreation Group.
The proposal was approved by the Teviot Community Board in March.
