The Clutha Parks Trust has reached the midpoint of a five-year project to redevelop Balclutha’s neighbouring Naish and Centennial Parks, and is holding a "Party at the Park" public event to celebrate, this Saturday.
The project arose from community consultation preceding the Clutha District Council’s 2018 long-term planning process and, thus far, has completed a dog park, a learn-to-ride bike park, a new playground and other enhancements such as a barbecue and landscaping.
Trust treasurer Rachael Watt said those elements comprised stage 1 of the project, at a total cost of $960,000.
This weekend’s public celebration was both an opportunity to look back on successful work to date, and promote public support for the next stage.
"Sometimes with these big, multi-year projects it can be easy to just keep moving forward and not reflect on what the community and sponsors have achieved so far.
"The party is a chance to do that, to celebrate our generous sponsors, and to harness further sponsorship and community support for the next stage."
Stage 2 would include additions to the playground, a senior pump track, and a basketball half-court.
The degree of immediate community use had illustrated the demand for the upgrade.
"It’s been incredibly exciting to see how quickly and enthusiastically the community has adopted these facilities as their own. That was the goal of the project, so it’s amazing."
Confirmation of designs and budgets for stage 2 was already under way, Mrs Watt said.
She encouraged the wider region to join festivities on Saturday.
Party at the Park runs from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Refreshments will be available.
