Grovetown Lagoon structures more shade

AMY RUSS

Grovetown Lagoon officially opened its new shade structure, just beyond the footbridge at Steam Wharf Road, on Monday afternoon.

Years in the making, the shelter is already beginning to serve its purpose as a welcoming rest stop for walkers and a practical outdoor learning space for visiting school groups. Positioned to overlook the lagoon, the structure offers protection from sun and light rain while still maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding wetland environment.

While a few finishing touches are still to come, Te Whānau Hou Grovetown Lagoon Coordinator Justine Johnson said the shelter is ready for the community to enjoy. Designed to seat up to 30 children or 20 adults, the completed structure now provides a purpose-built outdoor classroom that supports both education and recreation.

“The idea for a dedicated covered space came from volunteers involved with Te Whānau Hou Grovetown Lagoon, who recognised the growing need for a central gathering point as increasing numbers of community groups began visiting the reserve,” she noted.

Bringing the project to life has relied on a strong collective effort from volunteers, local businesses and community organisations.

Forsyth Construction contributed through its Pay It Forward initiative, helping establish the framework of the build, including setting out the structure, bracing posts and providing construction oversight.

Simcox Construction assisted with site preparation, while RNZAF Officer Cadets provided hands-on labour, digging post holes and pouring concrete. Support also came from Mitre 10 MEGA Marlborough, Eckford Engineering and the Shade Plus Marlborough team.

Funding from the Marlborough District Council Small Townships Programme helped turn the long-term vision into reality. The project reflects the dedication of a passionate group of volunteers and supporters who have invested significant time and effort into the lagoon.

“It has been in planning for a long time,” Justine observed, “and the new structure is a real tribute to the community that got behind it.”

At the centre of the initiative, she said, has been Tim Barton, chair of the lagoon working group, whose influence can be seen throughout the reserve.

“He architecturally designed the build and has coordinated a lot of how the lagoon looks today,” she said. “His work can also be seen in the curved boardwalk around the lagoon; it is just beautiful. The thoughtful touches he puts on everything, those small details, all help to create a good design.”

Further work is still planned to help integrate the shelter more fully into its natural surroundings.