AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

7 March 2006

End of an era for old Otahuhu Rec Centre

The doors to Otahuhu's old recreation centre will close for the last time on 17 March to make way for a new recreation and youth centre which opens on 1 April 2006.

The public will not be able to access either building for recreational use during this time.

All stock from the old premises must be sold, so Aucklanders are encouraged to come along to 7 Piki Thompson Way on 15 and 16 March from 10am to 6pm and take advantage of the great deals.

The old recreation centre was originally built as a community centre in 1957. It was the project of the Otahuhu Rotary Club who later donated the building and land to Tamaki City Council for the purpose of a recreation centre.

The building underwent an upgrade in 1986 and was officially reopened as a recreation centre on 16 May that year by the Prime Minister in office at the time, the late Rt Hon David Lange who was born and raised in Otahuhu.

The centre was then contracted out to YMCA to manage.

Chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, Councillor Penny Sefuiva, says, "It's sad to see the end of an era for such a community hub but I know that the new complex has fantastic facilities that will provide for the community's current and future needs. I'd like to thank the local residents for their support over the years and hope they make the new centre their home away from home."

ENDS

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