The preferred markings of a proposed multipurpose turf will be the topic of a public meeting in Middlemarch next week.
Sports Pavilion Committee project manager Jamie Koppert said about three years ago the committee began gathering quotes to create a multipurpose turf in Middlemarch.
The turf would replace the severely cracked asphalt of the tennis courts at Middlemarch Showgrounds.
Mr Koppert, the Middlemarch Hockey Club president, said the idea was born when the club's two teams were practising on the courts and cracks about 10cm wide and 8cm deep had created safety issues.
''Something had to be done,'' he said.
The project would cost up to $70,000 and the committee began raising funds, including by selling sausages, firewood and fattened lambs.
''You name it, we've done it,'' Mr Koppert said.
About $28,000 had been raised, including money from Strath Taieri Community Board, Middlemarch Singles Ball, Strath Taieri A & P Association and other sports and community groups.
He hoped the shortfall would be raised from grants.
Strath Taieri residents were invited to a meeting at the Strath Taieri Community Centre in Middlemarch on 7pm Tuesday.
Opinions would be sought on three plans for turf marking to play sports including hockey, tennis and netball.
When a preferred layout was chosen, the work would be put out for tender, he said.
He hoped enough money would be raised for the turf to be installed next year.
''If not, we'll have to knuckle down for another year or so.''
