The Lower Waitaki Watersport Park Trust will today officially open the park, having spent about $150,000 setting it up.
A jetty, boat storage, yachts, kayaks and paddle boards have been put in place at the up-to-2.7m deep, 4ha lake, which was built by the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Company to improve the function of its scheme.
The irrigation company supported the project by charging the trust a peppercorn rental because it saw the project as a worthy one, company chairman Chris Dennison said.
''Working with the community on this joint venture produced a great outcome and it's happened very quickly. The pond was built in late 2012 and the trust's facilities were only finished in December,'' he said.
It also won praise from Irrigation NZ chief executive officer Andrew Curtis, who described it as ''significant, demonstrating how irrigation infrastructure can benefit the community in other ways''.
''We take our hats off to these irrigators as they've not only created a new recreational lake barely minutes from Oamaru, but have invested in recreational assets people of North Otago will enjoy for years,'' he said.
Watersport park trust chairman Richard Willans said its proximity to Oamaru, main road location and unimpeded views made it a perfect beginner's recreation lake.
''It's the safest place to get out and learn on. You can see the whole pond from any point as it's so flat,'' he said.
Trust secretary-treasurer Jessica Wright said the open day would allow people to see the new facility, what it had to offer and try out some of the 10 yachts, 15 kayaks and two paddle boards. Water safety equipment included life jackets and a motorised inflatable rescue boat.
There would be a barbecue and refreshments, with the official opening at 1pm. Sponsors and suppliers had been invited, and representatives were expected from the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Company and Irrigation NZ.
Interest in the park since it opened has grown, with 40 keys so far given to people who have paid their $50 annual membership fee, after promotion at the North Otago A&P Show last week.
