The Cross Recreation Centre in Balclutha is the district’s main indoor sports facility, tallying more than 100,000 user-visits each year.
Centre committee chairman Simon Cullen said the 15-year-old facility was still in good condition and widely used by many local and visiting groups, but a surge in operating costs meant its books were no longer balancing.
To address the issue before it became unsustainable, the centre had launched a community fundraising campaign this month, he said.
‘‘There’s a perception we’re a council facility, fully-funded by council, but that’s not the case.
‘‘The centre has a small staff for day-to-day operations, but it’s overseen by a volunteer committee.
‘‘Council provides some funding, as do users and sponsors, but any shortfall either comes from reserves or via grants.
‘‘Unfortunately, post-Covid and with recent inflation causing a dramatic upsurge in running costs, we’re at the stage where reserves are depleted and we need to ask the community for help.’’
Mr Cullen said the committee had a strategic plan in place to increase financial resilience and reduce costs.
‘‘We’re looking into a solar energy project aimed at reducing operating costs and improving environmental sustainability. Initiatives like this will help ensure the centre remains efficient and resilient, but require upfront investment and community backing.’’
Power and compliance costs were among the big ticket items targeted for reduction.
The centre used as much as $30,000 in electricity each year, which could be cut by half or more using solar power, Mr Cullen said.
Although the centre cost about $5 million to build, it was now valued by insurers at four times that amount, meaning its insurance bill had also sky-rocketed.
He said although no specific fundraising target had been announced, the centre required ‘‘six figures upwards’’ to achieve its goals.
‘‘We’re inviting people to become friends of the centre by making a donation, sponsoring or partnering as a business, or supporting events we’ll be holding.
‘‘We’ll be holding an anniversary event in spring, which will double as a fundraiser, but we’d love to hear from anyone with other fundraising ideas in the meantime.’’
Securing the centre’s future was critical to the wellbeing of locals, he said.
‘‘This is more than just a building; it’s where our community meets, plays, and supports each other.
‘‘Its future relies on a shared commitment.’’
