Lauriston School officially opened a outdoor hub for sporting, cultural and community events on Tuesday.
Principal Colin Brodie spoke to pupils, staff, board members and about 25 people gathered.
‘‘Finally we have arrived and we are here, and we feel a real sense of pride and joy for what we have managed to create as a community.’’
Pupils delivered speeches and sang songs, while the school’s oldest and youngest pupils had the main roles in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The $165,000 project comprises two junior sports fields for rugby and football, junior cricket turf, purposebuilt bike track, stage and event area with shade sales, extensive native plantings, polished waharoa/ entranceway, perimeter fencing and outdoor toilets.
Called the Community Hub, the space was designed with purpose and collaboration, Brodie said.
The school community had come together to map a shared vision for the project, which began in 2022.
It was now ready to host district-wide sporting exchanges and cultural festivals next year.
Pupils were involved in design of the bike track, which was an inviting place to visit, ride and play.
They were also involved as artists in the paintings of five stunning murals featuring native species, each emphasising a letter. Together they spell out the word READY, signifying pupils being ready for success from thriving in the school’s learning environment.
The project was supported by a significant grant from The Lions Foundation in partnership with The Braided Rivers Trust. Partnership funding from neighbouring solar farm developers Gen Solar FRV in 2024 was a further boost, enabling completion.
Brodie also acknowledged major sponsors and a wide range of contributors.
