Arena expands future options

GOOD SPORTS: Wanganui High School associate principal Elizabeth Spooner is flanked by officials (from left) Lisa Martin (head of PE), Diane Howard (director of sport), Lisa Murphy (sport co-ordinator), Murray Woodhouse (board member), Gerald Cogan (architect) and Garry Olver (principal) during the opening of the new all-weather sporting facility yesterday. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

WANGANUI High School has invested heavily in its sporting future with the official opening of a brand new all-weather turf facility yesterday.

Four years in the making, the new complex features six tennis courts, five netball courts, a hockey training ground and six basketball hoops around the high perimeter fence.

Associate principal Elizabeth Spooner said resurfacing the old courts at the school was mooted by a member of the physical education (PE) department about four years ago.

"Initially I thought the job was impossible because of the cost, but then I realised there was a need for us to be more active in sport, I felt we were lagging behind," Spooner said at the opening yesterday.

With support from the Board of Trustees, and in particular Murray Woodhouse, the project was further investigated and eventually launched.

Woodhouse said there were only a couple of options given the Ministry of Education did not fund this type of activity.

"It came down to the board to either fundraise or use reserve board funds, which is what was decided on eventually. At $300,000 it was an expensive exercise, but needed," he said.

The design was awarded to Wanganui architects BSM.

"After a great deal of hard work, thanks to architect Gerald Cogan of BSM, the school is very proud to have this magnificent all-weather facility. It provides a superb arena for the school to expand its PE curriculum and to encourage greater participation by all students," Spooner said.

"For a large school, the facility allows a number of events to be provided on-site, which is also an added advantage, and will continue to be a great asset for both the school and wider community for many years to come."