MODEL RESERVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22241, 16 October 1935, Page 18

MODEL RESERVE

FACILITIES FINE COMMUNITY EFFORT IDEAL RECREATION CENTRE The recent erection of a floodlighting system and the construction of n dressing pavilion at the Papatoetoo Stadium marks the completion of the final improvements and equipment of a model park and recreation reserve. The reservo, which comprises nn area of fully five acres, has been transformed within the last few years from a rough, unsightly paddock and partial swamp to an attractively-designed outdoor resort. Various local organisations have contributed funds and donated equipment to assist the Papatoetoe Town Hoard to carry out the project. Two carriage-way entrances were constructed and permanently surfaced, with lawns and flower bods flanking the roadways. Ornamental and other shrubs and trees were planted at intervals and a live hedge was planted round the site of proposed tennis courts. A band rotunda stands on tho slight slope between the children's playground and the terraces encircling the banked cycle track and the oval. The Papatoetoo Welfare League contributed toward tho provision of tho complete set of children's amusements, including swings, see-saw and chutes. Grants made by tho local - Returned Soldiers' Club were subsidised by the town board and the fine ornamental pillars and walls at the two main entrances were thus provided. This scheme provided work for a considerable number of Unemployed returned men. The construction of the banked cycle track was undertaken with unemployed relief labour at the suggestion of the Papatoetoo Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club, which donated £3O toward tho cost of tho preliminary work and provided tho plans and specifications. Tho track, which was permanently sealed, is approximately six laps to the mile and has a width of 25ft. at the steeply-banked ends, the crest of which are 14ft. above the floor level of tho oval. As tho result of arrangements completed between the town board and tho cycle club during tho winter a modern floodlighting system and commodious dressing shed have been erected. These latest adjuncts will be brought into use when tho athletic club commences its evening sports meetings at an early date. The club lias undertaken to meet the major cost of these improvements and so relieve tho town district's funds. Visitors to tho park and stadium, including a representative of the Unemplpyment Board, have expressed their appreciation of the excellent facilities which have been provided from tho judicious uso of relief labour backed by community funds and organisation.