Motueka Recreation Centre Upgrade Opened

The Tasman District Council owned Motueka Recreation Centre has reopened following a $2 million expansion.

The development of 'The Rec' includes an international-standard roller hockey court, a gym, changing facilities and administration space.

The well-used Sport Tasman-managed facility opened in 1987, and is already home to netball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, indoor cricket, gymnastics, a climbing wall, weight training, aerobics classes and two martial arts dojos, plus a café and adjoining cinema.

Manager Jody Maru says the complex also services sports and events at the adjoining Goodman Park, such as the upcoming Christmas in the Park. It is also near the local BMX and go-kart tracks and hosts school holiday programmes, dance parties, discos, weddings, the local heats of the Tasman

Karaoke Superstars "you name it", Maru states "there's always room for another club."

The old neighbourhood centre building across the carpark has just joined the Rec stable and will be used for after-school programmes plus activities for seniors.

In addition to user fees and Council funding, the complex receives funding from the Lion Foundation, Canterbury Community Trust, Lottery Grants and other small trusts, about which Maru states "we are very grateful for all the funding support that we receive, and the significant support from local businesses, so we can continue to offer increased opportunities for our community."

Prior to the recent reopening, staff coped well with eight months of disruption through the redevelopment, says Maru, adding "we only closed on two days, and that was because we had no power..

Concluding that community support during the work was excellent, Maru says that 'The Rec' can lay claim to being the social, sport and recreational hub of Motueka for the past 23 years and, having began life as an apple packhouse.

Maru believes that the Motueka Recreation Centre "is still in the business of keeping the doctor away through a bewildering lineup of healthy fitness activities."

For more information go to www.tasman.govt.nz/recreation/sportsgrounds-halls-recreation-centres/recreation-centres/motueka-recreation-centre/