Waitaki Community Recreation Centre manager Diane Talanoa says she is “really stoked” to receive $80,000 from the Otago Community Trust.

The trust announced the allocation of $555,653 in grants for its July funding round, with $92,600 being directed towards the Waitaki district.

The money going to the Rec Centre will help kick start a major project plan to future-proof it, Di says.

“Currently a lot of the exterior panels on the building are damaged and so the plan is to replace the exterior cladding. 

“This is a significant project and we are applying for funding from a range of sources. OCT has granted us around 20% of the cost of the project,” she says. 

Although the plans are under way for the new Waitaki Event Centre, there is still a need for the Rec Centre and future-proofing it means it will continue to be an important community facility, Di says.

There is a lot of “user support” for the centre and she is optimistic about securing more funding. 

“We’re able to clearly demonstrate a really wide range of user groups and activities that take place here, many of which will continue into the future,” she says.

Di is hopeful work on the project will get under way next year, once more funding is secured.

Other Waitaki groups to receive grants from the Community Trust for July, are Ardleigh Golf Club in Palmerston - $8000 (greens mower upgrade), Maheno Bowling Club - $1600 (boom sprayer), Awamoa Bowling Club - $3000 (top board and rubber), and the Waitaki Valley Community Society - $3175.00 (Kurow Wetlands Restoration Plan).

The trust says its allocation of grants reinforces its commitment to supporting strong, vibrant communities throughout the Otago region.

The grants fund a range of projects, many of which are aimed at enhancing community well-being, preserving local heritage, and promoting environmental conservation, a statement said.