Wrecking Rec Ground?

• Published date: 25 May 2023
• Publication title: Mountain Scene

Speaking to the club’s submission at draft annual plan hearings in Wānaka on Monday, Wilson said the club hadn’t heard anything more from council about potential ramifications of the second stage of the arterial route’s construction since consultation two or three years ago

At that time, it was suggested the existing clubrooms would meet the wrecking ball, along with the Queenstown Memorial Centre, which includes Queenstown’s Returned and Services’ Association, and the Queenstown Squash Club.

Wilson says the club doesn’t know what to say about the future of the grounds to others in the Central Otago Premier league, and welcomes more consultation.

Councillor Niki Gladding asked where Wilson had heard the Rec Ground would be used as, essentially, a laydown area, noting there were some quizzicle looks around the council table when he mentioned it.

‘‘We heard [council] would require a laydown area for equipment and machines and the Rec Ground was being considered for that use,’’ he replied.

‘‘It was mentioned a couple of years ago.’’

Meantime, Wilson also asked council to fully rehabilitate the Rec Ground’s turf, suggesting a qualified turf management company assess the ground.

‘‘My personal view is it needs more drainage.

‘‘We enjoy playing on the Rec Ground, but the surface is not up to high quality for multi-use as defined in the reserve management...