Squash courts by year's end for Ohakune

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 439, 9 June 1992, Page 1

Squash courts by year's end for Ohakune

Ohakune's long-talked-about squash courts look set to be built this year. The new squash committee, formed in March last year after an eight year recess, has the plans at present at the design stage and intends to let the construction tenders this month for the three courts. The courts, two glass-backed and one conventional construction, are to be built at the end of the Community Gymnasium at Ruapehu College. The committee envisages letting the tender by mid-July and for building to start in August. Planning and fund-raising for the courts began in June 1980. In the early years members toiled over various issues, including sites, which continued to halt progress. By late 1983 a substantial amount of money had been raised, but by then many members had moved away or become fed up with the delays. Just Graeme Murdie and John Laurenson remained. The club went into recess until March 1991, when John Laurenson sparked the formation of a new committee. The Ohakune Squash Racquets Club has raised almost half the money needed to build the courts. Spokesperson Kath Campbell said they have applied to various sources of funding, such as the Lotteries Commission and The Hillary Commission for further funding. The club will be seeking support by way of interest and membership, and sponsorship, from the Waimarino and various sectors, to raise the required amount.