$0.5 million sports complex opened

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 475, 2 March 1993, Page 1

$0.5 million sports complex opened

An impressive new sports complex found an enthusiastic audience at its opening in Ohakune on the weekend. The opening was officiated by the Prime Minister Jim Bolger, and Mrs Bolger, Waimarino Mayor Garrick Workman, Mrs Workman, Ruapehu

College and Squash Club officials, and invited guests. Prime Minister Jim Bolger opened the courts with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and hit the first ball at the new Ohakune Squash Club. Club president John Laurenson heaped praise upon the many people

involved in seeing the complex, worth around $500,000 through to fruition. The fact that it cost half that amount in reality - about $200 per head of the community - was a credit to all those involved, he said. A squash club steering committee was formed on

30 June 1980. "I wonder if they would have been quite so keen if they had known it would be 4625 days before the first game," he said. It was in fact, less than six months from the start of building to its completion. Mr Laurenson and his wife Sue, were praised in turn for their part in the massive task of establishing the new complex that boasts three courts, a spacious upstairs view-

ing level and seating, bar and cafe. Ruapehu College Board of Governors chairperson Margaret Horne, congratulated those tradepeople and volunteers who contributed a "considerable amount of extra effort, at personal cost." "In the provision of extra community and educational recreational resources the community and schools have to rely

on the enthusiasm and effort of others, and to this extent Ohakune and the College has benefitted." As well as receiving funding from the Board and the community, the new complex was also funded by the Lotteries Commission, as well as additional funding by

goods and services in kind, she said. Mayor Garrick Workman and Mr Laurenson played the first of what looks to be many games in the new complex, with all three courts booked solidly for the rest of that official opening-day afternoon.