COMMUNITY PROJECT: Kaierau groundsman and committeeman Merv Benson surveys the handiwork of a working bee to clear the way for a new gymnasium at the Devon Rd country club.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY
COMMUNITY PROJECT: Kaierau groundsman and committeeman Merv Benson surveys the handiwork of a working bee to clear the way for a new gymnasium at the Devon Rd country club.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY
The construction of a gymnasium at the Kaierau Country Club is a prime example of Wanganui community spirit and co-operation.
The first steps were taken at the home of the Kaierau Club with a working bee at the weekend to help clear shrubs and vegetation in readiness for the foundationsfor the 15mX30m gymnasium. The Kaierau Club, of course, is a family-oriented sports club in Devon Rd, Springvale, encompassing rugby, touch and netball. Executive committeeman Darrell Robinson said the project had been in the pipeline since February this year and with the bulk of the funding finally being secured through the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) work could finally begin.
"The idea is for the gym to be a real community centre. The gym is not only for Kaierau members, it will also become the home of Rivercity Boxing and open to other rugby and sports clubs throughout the city," Robinson said yesterday.
"The majority of the work will be done by volunteers and that has already started. We had a 20-man working bee at the weekend to prepare the ground beside the clubhouse. While the bulk of the funding has come from NZCT, many others have helped make this happen, including Mick Paul from Totalspan.
"We approached Totalspan for some sponsorship and he came up with a great plan. The gym will be housed in a Totalspan 15m wide, 30m long shed."
Robinson said the foundations would hopefully be laid by Christmas and completion of the project was planned for mid-to-late March next year in time for the start of the rugby season in April. "It will also be in time for our 125th anniversary at Queens Birthday."
