96 | The facility will support the association’s extensive programmes, from school and after-school initiatives to preschool activities and community outreach. Mike Greer Commercial T T Kelly Deeks DEVELOPMENT Canterbury Softball is set to take its training and community programmes to the next level with its purpose-built indoor facility in east Christchurch. The NZCT Training Centre, under construction at Dynasty Ballpark on Pages Road, promises to be a hub for players, coaches, and the wider community, and the future of indoor training for Canterbury. Canterbury Softball Association general manager, Anthea Stringer, says the project has been a collaborative effort from the start. “This is purpose-built for us. We worked closely on a design based on the Sydenham Cricket facility and learned a lot from their experience,” she says. “We’ve incorporated everything we needed for pitching and catching, but it’s also flexible enough for other sports and community use. There will be heaps of opportunities for people to book it, and for local groups to use it, especially during winter when finding indoor spaces can be tough.” The facility will support the association’s extensive programmes, from school and after-school initiatives to preschool activities and community outreach. “We’re proud of the east-side community and the connections we create through our programmes,” Anthea says. “A lot of our players have been part of this association for most of their lives. Once you get the softball bug, you’ve got it for life.” The project owes much to foundation donors Mark McFarlane and Nicola Ogier, lifelong softballers whose vision and support helped turn the plan into reality. Between them they donated $500,000 towards the $1.2 million facility. Mark, a former Canterbury representative player and international umpire, passed away on November 20 after a battle with illness, but he got to see the project begin. Nicola, a three-time NZ Umpire of the Year, remains actively involved in mentoring and developing umpires in Canterbury. “Mark and Nicola wanted a legacy that would impact generations of softballers,” Anthea says. Residential Commercial Renovations Retro Double Glazing PROUDLY SUPPORTING MIKE GREER COMMERCIAL Softball centre a community asset “This facility will be a permanent part of Canterbury softball, and Mark and Nicola’s influence will be felt for years.” A major contribution of $400,000 was also received from New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT), which loves to back projects that get people active and connected. Their invaluable support enables this facility that will not only help athletes reach their potential, but also give the wider community a space to come together and get involved. The training centre is designed to accommodate a range of activities, including elite pitching and catching practice. It also provides an indoor environment for winter training, offering local clubs and community groups a space to stay active year-round. Mike Greer Commercial, the project’s builder, has guided the construction with a focus on quality and timing. “They’ve managed construction around the summer season, ensuring competitions and tournaments aren’t disrupted,” Anthea says. “We’re hitting all our milestones before winter, and the project is on track for completion next summer. We are very excited!” Mike Greer Commercial’s experience with community and commercial projects nationwide has been vital. The company understands the scale, adaptability, and timelines involved in creating facilities that work for the community now, and into the future. Once completed, the NZCT Training Centre will be more than just a sporting facility. It will provide a home for coaching, umpire development, and grassroots programmes while strengthening east Christchurch’s sporting community. Anthea says the possibilities are still unfolding. “We don’t yet know every opportunity this facility will create, but it’s exciting to think about what comes next. This is the start of something special for Canterbury softball and the wider community.”
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