The remnants of a bygone era are scattered around a stretch of the Wollondilly River near Kenmore Hospital.
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Makeshift brick barbecues, a concrete platform and steps trodden by hundreds to access the bank jut up around the overgrown and blackberry infested area.
And then there's the Kenmore boathouse. The brick structure, once a centre piece of the 'Kenmore Pleasure Grounds' is vandalised and damaged but architectural features hint at its former glory days.
Now, Goulburn Lions Club wants to be involved in its restoration together with the community and council.
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Secretary and past-president Bill Starr said while members were limited in what they could physically do, the Club was keen to have input into the project.
"The aim is to make it a part of the Wollondilly Riverwalk," he said.
"At one end we have a little house (at The Waterworks) that is used as a cafeteria on some days and I think this could end up being the same. It could be a little coffee bar run by volunteers and set up through grants."
The Club initially proposed the restoration and the idea was absorbed into the Copford Reach Working Party's deliberations. That group, chaired by Cr Peter Walker, has been exploring ways to rejuvenate the Wollondilly River through clearing, picnic and barbecue facilities, seating, kayaking and other water-based activities. Mr Starr is also a member.
The working party will hold its final meeting this month and make recommendations to the council. But what's delivered will depend on money.
Mr Starr said a local builder had assessed the boathouse and estimated $46,000 in restoration work. This included roof, ceiling and floor replacement, and electrical rewiring. While a front wall had a slight warp, the brick structure was mostly sound. Council assessors also believe the walls can be saved.
"I think it's achievable. It would end up being a community project, although we'd like to have (continuing) input and help to secure grants," Mr Starr said.
It's not known when the boathouse was built but it was a part of the near Kenmore Hospital complex, commenced in 1895. It formed part of the Kenmore Pleasure Grounds, used by the community from the 1890s until the 1950s.
Few photographs of its glory days remain.
The council bought the building and 3870 square metres of surrounding land for $46,000 in 2013.
Mr Starr suggested the boathouse restoration to the Club last year. He told The Post he was fascinated by its history and was inspired by his childhood.
In 1948, his father bought a boat hire business at Padstow Heights, where the family moved a year later.
"It had a big rambling tin boat shed sitting on Salt Pan Creek, a tributary of the Georges River," Mr Starr said.
"As kids we lived our lives on the water. Our parents were happier to see us playing there than on the street.
"(So) when I saw this (Kenmore) project I went to Lions and asked whether they were interested."
Mr Starr moved to Goulburn with his wife nine years ago to be closer to their grandchildren at Mittagong. He was lured by housing affordability and ready access to Canberra and Sydney. He joined Goulburn Lions soon after.
Now he sees strong possibilities for the Kenmore boathouse if financial backing is secured.
Meantime, Cr Peter Walker supports the move. Other priorities for the area include a toilet block, a boat ramp, picnic areas and weed removal.
"But we also want public feedback," he said.
"It's about preserving the river as well. We want weed control, not habitat destruction. There are platypus up past the boat shed. It's a little jewel that with a bit of thought can be made into a recreational spot."
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Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
