Enhancing our green spaces

A freak windstorm last October is to thank for a smart new fence now bordering the playground in Waipara Township.

The Glenmark Reserves Committee is one of the latest recipients of the allocation of the Reserves Contestable Fund, administered by the Glenmark Community Committee.

Using funds derived from the surpluses of the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, the Council allocates $10,000 to each of the former Ward areas on an annual basis.

The use of the funds is determined by each of the Community Communities for the Amuri, Hurunui, Glenmark and Cheviot areas, with the South Ward Committee and the Hanmer Springs Community Board being responsible for the South Ward and Hanmer Spring area respectively.

At the end of July, in Waipara a “small band of willing workers” put their tools to good use, building the fence with new palings which will now receive a lick of paint.

Secretary of the Glenmark Reserves Committee Di Officer said this playground is well used by local children during family visits, so building a new fence was just something that needed to be done.

A wattle tree stump which sits within the fence line is being carved into a fairy tree house, thanks to community generosity.

“This is thanks to the very kind man Tom Ledger who lives opposite the playground, he has already started it,” said Officer.

She wanted to express a thank you to for the Fund, as it’s a great way to enhance the green spaces around Hurunui.

“We make applications every time, it’s a great way to access more daffodil bulbs and plants, and anything like that which enhances the Waipara community.”

The Committee also received $1067.84 for a new generator plug at Waipara Memorial Hall for use during emergency events which was recently installed, and $488.75 for planting at Glenmark Domain, which is due to begin soon.