Facility not a 'sporting' proposition

The western foreshore of Lake Wanaka needs to remain a scenic gem to pass on, as it is, to future generations, writes Loris King, of Wanaka.

The two days set aside to hear the submissions on the Wanaka foreshore management plan were dominated on the second day by discussions on the proposed Wanaka water sports facility.

The plan for this proposed 420sq m building (twice as big as an average family home) positioned right on the foreshore of one of the most exclusive, high-profile iconic areas of the western shoreline of the Roys Bay Reserve, would, if it became a reality, enjoy unobstructed views across the lake, set a precedent for future buildings on the foreshore, and require a number of trees to be removed.

The plan of the proposed building, looking out across the lake, shows the entire front of the building divided into two sections, one housing rowing boats and the other a gymnasium.

The finished height of the building is unclear.

Do people working out and sweating out in a gymnasium, and rowing boats stored on racks, need a million-dollar unobstructed view across the lake, blocking the views of residents behind, and tourists and locals walking the track to Wanaka Station Park and beyond?

I am sure the majority of people support the fact sport plays an important part in life.

It is character-building, a form of relaxation, and a healthy pastime.

However, playing or participating in any form of sport is only one aspect of the life of a club.

The other is the social interaction: making lifelong friends, socialising with members, offering hospitality to competitors and an opportunity to encourage and pass on tips to new members.

Regardless of what sport it is, a clubhouse is a critical component.

The Water Sports Facility Trust would know this, and would know a clubhouse, as such, would not be acceptable in this particular area.

The Wanaka Rowing club has fine young members who stand out in our community.

I hope the trust will set an example to them all, on the basic honourable methods of achieving not just what they want, but what is in the best interests in the long term, not only of members of the Wanaka Water Sports Facility, but also to ensure the western foreshore of Lake Wanaka remains as a scenic gem to pass on, as it is, to future generations.

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