Gunning secures grant to build new Endeavour Park amenities block

There are plans to build a new multipurpose amenities building in the park, which Upper Lachlan Shire council mayor, John Stafford, said would service more than just local sportsmen and women.

"More than 20,000 visitors annually use the toilet block at a variety of events, including sporting fixtures, the show, trotting and markets," Cr Stafford said.

"But I think that the youth of Gunning will be the largest group to benefit from the new amenities.

"We've got groups such as soccer and football clubs, Pony Club, sports held by the public school, the Early Learning Centre and users of the playground and skate park. It is estimated that at least 90 per cent of the 547 young people aged under 25 in the Gunning- Dalton District will directly and regularly benefit from the new facility."

The $672,747 grant was awarded as part of the state government's Stronger Country Communities Fund, and plans for the new building include demolishing the old toilet block, a new change room, disabled facilities, a canteen, storage, and a meeting room.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, whose office announced the grant earlier today, said the need for further funding in Gunning became clear during her election campaign.

"Securing funding for these amenities was one of my top priorities for Gunning. During my election campaign, I visited the site - it was clear to see the building needed investment and expansion," she said.

"The new amenities block will encourage community participation, sporting development and increase wellbeing and liveability in Gunning.

"Adding change rooms and support facilities will allow sports and recreation groups to increase and thrive."

The Gunning District Association lobbied for the new facility, and association representative Gavin Douglas was pleased with the plans.

"The new facility will meet the expressed needs of Gunning's young people, with youth indicating problems they faced living in the Southern Tablelands including social isolation, and a lack of youth and sporting activities," Mr Douglas said.

"The purpose-built amenities block will create the space and facilities for activities nominated by Gunning's young people, such as movie nights, more sports, youth meetups and games."

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