End of an era for successful community fund in Darfield

Over the last five years, several community projects in Darfield have been brought to life with support from the Westview Special Fund.

The Westview Special Fund Committee was formed in late 2019, to distribute a fund of $1.27m from the sale of land in Darfield, back to the Darfield community.

From cricket pitch covers, gymnastics and basketball classes, building upgrades for sports clubs, the preschool, the art gallery and several churches to establishing a memorial garden for our sister city Yubetsu, Japan at Tussock Square, many of the projects funded have helped turn Darfield into the buzzing community hub it is today.

In March, the committee finished up all funding activities, after five rounds which saw the committee award funding to 51 successful applicants over the years.

The remaining $81k of the fund will go towards the Darfield Pump Track, a project which will benefit not only residents in Darfield, but residents across the district.

The pump track project was first put forward to the committee in 2021 by a former Darfield High School student, who envisioned Darfield having its own pump track for riders of all levels.

The pump track is nearing completion and had a successful unofficial opening before Christmas last year.

The funding will go towards final additions to the park such as seating, a rubbish bin, the opportunity to include a junior ‘learn to ride’ area and scope for landscaping and planting.

Westview Special Fund Chairman Bob Mugford thanked all the applicants over the years of the fund and said he was excited to see the last bit of funding go into the Darfield Pump Track.

“I’ve really enjoyed being a part of this committee and seeing how the community have used the fund over the years to benefit the residents of Darfield and Selwyn. I am pleased to see the last bit of funding go towards the Darfield Pump Track. The track is a fantastic new addition to Darfield Domain and for Selwyn as a whole. I am looking forward to seeing how popular it becomes!”

Mr Mugford also acknowledged the other committee members who had served on the committee over the years, Jenny Gallagher, Lydia Gliddon, Angela Hanrahan, Rob Lawrence, Ken May, Mandy McCaughan, Paddy McKay, John Morten, Sharn Nu’u and Judith Pascoe.