A “BUY a brick” style fundraiser and a sensory garden constructed by a local service group are among the community initiatives floated for Mount Gambier’s $39m recreation centre precinct.
Community Reference Group member Nathan Stratford raised the idea of fundraising pavers to City Council’s regional sport and recreation centre committee on Monday night, stating it was a great way for the community to “take ownership” of the centre.
Proceeds gathered from the pavers are planned to be “put aside” according to Mr Stratford to help community groups with future programs run at the centre.
“Part of this is allowing the community to give back to the project,” Mr Stratford said.
“Anything we could do to assist those not as advantaged as some to come here and use the facilities is going to be a good thing.
“We really want to put it back into being able to give those who are in a disadvantaged situation, or are maybe new migrants, to help with swimming lessons.”
Excited to be part of the project, Mr Stratford said in addition to raising community-focused funds, the initiative would also give families a legacy within the site.
“The pavers can allow for families to have some recognition if they have provided funds towards a program and it gives them recognition which their grandchildren can look back on,” he said.
“Those of us who have been involved right from the start realise this is a 50 to 60 year project.”
Plans for a sensory garden were also discussed with the reference group securing interest from Mount Gambier service groups.
“We have had positive feedback from service groups about producing the sensory garden,” Mr Stratford said.
“It will allow for those coming to and from the facilities to have that little extra something to just wander through.”
With plans for wheelchair access as well as sensory features for the vision impaired, Mr Stratford said the garden would be a great way to involve service clubs in the centre development.
“I personally hope to see the garden on the western side of the centre with possibly the pavers as part of the garden too,” Mr Stratford said.
Council recreation centre committee presiding member councillor Ben Hood praised the reference group for its continued involvement in the project.
“Council has been and will continue to push for the community engagement so everyone can feel they are involved in the project moving forward and that it is a project for everyone,” Cr Hood said.
“I believe we have an opportunity to see how best to recognise people that want to be a part of the community engagement fundraising drive the reference group is suggesting.”
During discussions at the committee meeting, members and council staff members discussed the possibility of “thinking outside the box” and producing other manners of recognition of the community.
The proposal will now follow council’s decision-making processes and be discussed at both committee and chamber level in the near future.
