The $750,000 pond at Ferry Rd, covering about 4ha and up to 2.7m deep, was built by the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Company last year to provide a buffer for water supply to farmers, but has also been identified as a recreational resource for North Otago.
The Lower Waitaki Water Sports Trust has been set up to implement the $123,311 project, boosted by a $17,688 grant from Meridian Energy's Waitaki Community Fund. The irrigation company has committed $20,000, Aviemore Irrigation machinery and supplies, and help has been offered by builders, other businesses and individuals. The trust has approached the Waitaki District Council for help to build car parking and is applying for other funding.
More than $60,000 has been raised in grants or in kind.
Trust chairman Richard Willans said the trust wanted to put in car parking, build a shed to hold yachting and kayaking equipment, a floating jetty, toilet, picnic area, pathway and protective fencing. The pond would initially be used for kayaking and yachting, with about $35,000 needed to buy 15 kayaks, 10 optimist yachts and associated water safety equipment.
However, it could be expanded to other non-powered water sports activities in the future.
''There is huge potential for the pond to become a valuable community asset, a place where people from all walks of life can enjoy the water,'' Mr Willans said.
''We're really looking forward to creating a vibrant community space in the Lower Waitaki.''
The project would give the community a focal point for water sports and recreation, as well as improving health, fitness and water safety through building personal and team confidence.
In close proximity to Oamaru, it would cater for all ages and skills, and also be a resource for schools, with parking off Ferry Rd including provision for buses.
It was hoped to have the facility operating this summer, with a subscription fee for regular users and a key system. Hire charges would be available for less-regular users.
''It is hoped the facility will be self-sustaining when it is well-established,'' Mr Willans said.
More than $112,000 was granted in the latest allocation from Meridian's Waitaki Community Fund. Other projects were. -Vanished World Inc $15,000 (to help refurbish the geological rock display), Twizel Area School $15,000 (a replacement 12-seater van),
Twizel Snow Club $12,000 (timing equipment for ski racing and other competitions),
Te Whare Mahana Twizel Cultural Centre $12,000 (appliances and floor coverings), Waitaki Ski Club $10,000 (a bulldozer to maintain access), Haldon School $10,000 (a van for the school), Fireworks Bay Wetland Enhancement Group $8500 (predator-proof fence for the Fireworks Bay wetland), Hakataramea Cemetery Trust $6000 (support for the Hakataramea Reserve enhancement project), Hakataramea Mobile Kindergarten $2260 (fire alarm system), Twizel Junior Netball Club $2182 (indoor netball goalposts and protective pads),Twizel Promotion and Development Association $1500 (flag poles in Twizel's town centre).
