A Canterbury bowls club fears closure due to a proposed skate park, citing space concerns and potential financial strain.
The proposed skate park takes up space that the club needs to grow. They say this expansion is crucial to help them stay open for the long term, fearing loss of future players and higher prices that could financially hurt the club. The club has existed for over 70 years.
The council says it’s open to talking, however, they stated they cannot meet the club’s requests. Bob Eslea feels the council undervalues them and does not see the club as part of the community. The club needs just three more meters behind their building to expand their small clubhouse, which seats only 36 people safely now.
While the club supports the skate park idea, they only need that small change, but sadly, officials won’t listen. Closure is possible because of money problems, and Eslea thinks the council wants them gone, even though most members live nearby and the club helps with local events.
Last year, the council shared park upgrade plans. The BMX and skate track uses land near the bowls club, and the plan includes a new sports building, replacing one burned in an arson five years ago.
The Coal Board gave land to the bowls club in 1938. In 1971, it went to a council and then to CCC in 1974. The council owns the land and manages it for residents, believing the project benefits locals. It was once a hub for mining families, which continued after the mine shut down in 1969.
In 1991, families rebuilt the building. The club could host more charity events and welcome youth groups with more space. Elsie Edwards, who has lived there for 75 years, is sad about this situation, as she loves bowling and played for 49 years. She doesn’t want the green to close.
The council says they won’t meet their requests. The skate park plans have big community support, through public meetings and talks with city council members. Only the bowls club has concerns. They met with the club three times and emailed them.
The council can’t give them the extra land, as it’s vital for the skate park and paths. The council says they are helping the club by extending the club’s lease, but won’t expand the area. The project improves parking too, adding spaces that they will let the club use. They say they will keep talking, and the council values the club’s place in the community.