The tennis courts are in, and the bowling club clubrooms are out, but soon the Millers Flat community will have a new $664,000 recreation facility.

The Millers Flat Recreation Reserve Steering Group has plans to establish new courts on the council-owned reserve on the old bowling green site, and in addition, build a bike pump track, as well as relocate and upgrade the playground to the rear of the war memorial.

The Teviot Valley Community Board was told last week the group has confirmed funding from third party funders of $419,500, and was hoping to secure the balance from other sources to complete the full project.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) community experience group manager David Scoones said that the steering group was keen to start the project this year, with money from other funders coming as well.

“They plan to use the money they have right now to go ahead until the funding is confirmed.”

Some neighbours have expressed concern about the increased noise from the upgraded recreation facility, but as board member Curtis Pannett said, “the reality is, you live next to a recreation reserve. It’s going to get used.”

He questioned staff about whether the new project would be ready for this time next year, when the biggest South Island Primary School tournament was held - attracting 1,000 young sports representatives.

Board members agreed the tennis courts were a priority, and now the proposal to develop the Millers Flat recreation reserve would go before CODC in September for final sign off.

The former Millers Flat Bowling Club clubrooms sit outside the proposal. 

Through the Long-Term Plan 2025/34 deliberations, the building will be divested, and council said discussions will continue over divestment options for the building with the community.

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