110 | T T Kelly Deeks Rakaia centre a community effort The new single-storey building features modern clubrooms, a commercial kitchen and bar for up to 150 people, and a wraparound covered deck providing elevated views over the playing fields. “It’s a totally different atmosphere now. We can serve food quickly for the kids, run prize-givings on the spot, and keep people here enjoying the day. It’s been worth every bit of effort to get to this point.” After more than two decades of planning, fundraising, and perseverance, Rakaia’s brand-new $1.8 million recreation centre is open for action, and already transforming the way the community connects around sport. Rakaia Rugby Club president Warren Jones says the facility, based in the Rakaia Domain, has solved a long-standing challenge for the club and other local sporting codes. “Previously, our clubrooms were in the township on Railway Terrace, away from the Domain, and our changing facilities up here were minimal,” he says. “When our juniors played, parents would head straight home after the game rather than travel through to the clubrooms. Now, they come straight inside for a few chips, prize-giving, and a chat. On cold winter mornings, the kids can get warm, have a feed, and the atmosphere is fantastic.” The new single-storey building features modern clubrooms, a commercial kitchen and bar for up to 150 people, and a wraparound covered deck providing elevated views over the playing fields. The facility also incorporates six-cubicle public toilets funded by Ashburton District Council, replacing an ageing, vandalism-prone toilet block nearby that will soon be demolished. Construction began in January last year, and Warren says that while it had its share of challenges, from Covid delays in earlier years to water-pressure issues more recently, the result is a modern, fit-for-purpose space designed with community use in mind. “We added holding tanks and a pump to solve the pressure problem, and we were just ready for Rakaia’s first home senior rugby game on April 6.” The build has been a true community effort. Significant funding came from local families and businesses, including many with no direct ties to the rugby club. Warren says that support, now visible on the clubrooms’ donation wall, reflects the centre’s wider role as a hub for all sports clubs and community groups, with free access for other codes when the rugby club isn’t using it. “It’s been humbling to see people give generously because they see it as a community recreation centre, not just a rugby facility,” he says. COMMUNITY Rakaia Recreation Centre The Rakaia Hockey Club held its 125-year celebrations at the new centre in April, and other community groups are lining up to use the venue. The project’s origins date back to the early 2000s, when the rugby club first drafted plans for new clubrooms. Those plans were later folded into wider proposals for a shared sports facility in the Domain, but a larger multi-sport complex didn’t go ahead after council funding was declined in 2015. The club took back the reins, securing council investment in the public toilet component and embarking on a decade-long fundraising effort. With its modern layout, warm and welcoming environment, and central location, Warren says the new Rakaia Recreation Centre is already delivering on its promise to bring people together. “It’s a totally different atmosphere now. We can serve food quickly for the kids, run prize-givings on the spot, and keep people here enjoying the day. It’s been worth every bit of effort to get to this point.” Rakaia Rugby Club now looks forward to utilising its great new venue as it celebrates its 150th jubilee in 2026. Our Services Include: • Site Works Commercial & Civil • Site Works Residential • Farm Lanes & Infrastructure • Drainage • Privately Owned Quarries & Shingle Supplies throughout Mid-Canterbury For All Your Earthworks & Aggregate Requirements WWW.MECL.CO.NZ sales@mecl.co.nz Contact ADAM - 021 302 885
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