The Martinborough Pump Track project has hit the halfway point of fundraising for the project, with $125,000 of its quarter-million budget in the bank.
This huge milestone has been an incredible effort by the Martinborough Youth Trust team.
Terry Sue & Pat who have been writing grant applications and exploring as many avenues as possible for funding but also boosted by the local community who have been donating and fundraising to get us to this midway point.
The pump track project was the seed of an idea post the Waihinga Centre Park upgrade.
There were gaps in what was on offer for local youth, especially older kids and the idea that resonated with many came to the table.
The long journey to get to this point started by taking the idea to the South Wairarapa District Council and then working through the stages to achieve the location. Then designer TrailPro, with extensive expertise in pump tracks came down to visit the site and meet some senior school kids to get a good understanding of what we wanted to achieve and the community element.
Situation alongside the community pools will make for a hub of activity in summer months and is perfectly located just round from the school for easy access for the kids. The understanding had always been that this would be community and the community has indeed embraced it.
Local businesses have both run and donated to raffles. Community Markets, quiz nights and Christmas group gatherings have been just a few events where the community has raised funds that get dropped to Kitcheners to add to the kitty.
Alongside this, the family pledge has itself had a few variations: finding the Goldilocks spot of just right and the current Family $15 pledge, which can be donated at the pump track givealittle page. This could be a perfect community Christmas gift for grandparents this festive season!
Local businesses also have a chance to sponsor a metre of track for $650. These contributions will be featured on a recognition wall _ part of the mural element of the pump track.
The group is also gathering quite a list of volunteers who have machinery, people and contacts to support building the track and keeping costs down.
For now, summer calls and the event calendar is buzzing with yet more opportunities to support the funds. Fingers are crossed that the build will occur in the first half of 2024.
Contacts:
- email charlotte.harding9717@gmail.com for business sponsor info or to chat ideas.
- Givealittle page Martinborough Pump Track Project for family pledges.
- Follow updates on Facebook at the Marty bike pump track project.
- Coming soon: Community Fireworks Event on 4 November with gate koha and sausage sizzle with funds all going to the pump track project. See you there!
