Milton Area Promotions said the money would go towards several elements of the town’s new dog park, which it is hoped will be completed by spring this year.
Group spokeswoman Gaynor Finch said she and fellow volunteers were pleased with progress to date, which had entailed help from local businesses, Clutha District Council, and not small amount of elbow grease from volunteers in working bees.
"We were a bit surprised to find a concrete base beneath the old tarmac surface of the tennis courts, where a large part of the park is going in.
"So that’s required shifting a lot of material, which we’d like to thank Andrew Haulage for."
Fellow group member Kay Partridge said the local contractors had shifted 49 truckloads of rubble out, and 56 of topsoil in, which had since been seeded with grass.
"We’re very grateful to all our volunteers and donors, including Clutha Vets for funding, Colin Calteaux and Andrew Clark for the topsoil, Water Services and Speedy Sparky for services donated, and to the Otago Community Trust for this latest generous grant," Mrs Partridge said.
A total of 108 volunteer working bee hours had been logged to date, she said.
"It’s quite a big area, about 60m by 90m, and that all has to be fenced and dog-proofed.
"Then we’ve extended the park under the trees here so dogs can have a dig and owners can shelter in the summer.
"It’s certainly a lot of work, but it will be an amazing facility when it’s completed."
The park had been enhanced by a dog-themed mural from local artist Alice Muir.
Mrs Finch said there would be ample parking beside the Toko Rugby Club grandstand, secure entries, a fun agility area for the dogs, solar lighting, and separate areas for big and small dogs.
Clutha District Council community plan implementation project manager Mike Goldsmith said it was a good example of a community project where all elements had come together to make a successful whole.
"We’ve got a dedicated community group leading the project, with council’s guidance and funding, local contractors’ generosity, and fulfilling an identified community need.
"The Balclutha Dog Park has been very well used, so we expect Milton residents and those passing on State Highway1 will make the most of this facility, too."
