A watersports park is on target to open this summer at an irrigation pond on the Waitaki plains near Pukeuri and work is soon to start on an equipment shed to house yachts and kayaks, which are now being ordered.
The project, expected to cost about $120,000, is being undertaken by the Lower Waitaki Water Sports Trust on a 4ha, 2.7m-deep pond built last year by the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Company, to improve water supply.
Trust chairman Richard Willans said yesterday a $12,000 grant confirmed this week by the Otago Community Trust had boosted fundraising, which had been supported by other grants and promises of help ''in kind''.
A fundraising event at Milligan's Food by the trust had raised $6400 and it was planning further events in the coming months.
The Waitaki District Council had allocated $17,500 for access and a car park in Ferry Rd.
Mr Willans said the trust was still seeking grants, donations and help in kind for the project.
At this stage, grants, donations and help were being tallied up, but had reached a level where a start would be made next week on preparing the site and foundations for the equipment shed, which should be completed by the end of next month.
The trust was in the process of ordering 15 kayaks, 10 optimist yachts and water safety equipment which could cost about $35,000.
A floating jetty, picnic area, pathway, protective fencing and landscaping were also planned.
It could be expanded to other non-powered watersports activities in the future.
The project would give the community a focal point for watersports and recreation.
In close proximity to Oamaru, it would cater for all ages and skills, and also be a resource for schools, promoting health, fitness and water safety through building personal and team confidence.
It was hoped the facility would be financially self-sustaining, with a subscription fee for regular users and a key system. Hire charges would be available for less-regular users.
