The recent opening of the First Class Fitness gym has come at a cost for Club Umina bowlers with their favourite green flattened by the new build on Melbourne Ave.
The surface of the number three Tifdwarf bowling green now lays under the foundations of the gym with construction costs estimated to be around $2M.
But publicity officer for Bowls Central Coast, Peter Springett, said the development will help ensure bowlers can continue to play on the remaining greens.
“Bowls clubs are quite expensive to run because of the maintenance of the greens and this will now ensure guaranteed revenue for the next few years,” Springett said.
“We know now the club will be there for a while – the pressure’s off!”
Springett said Merrylands RSL club originally owned the three greens but wasn’t getting the revenue in to justify all three.
“The board had to look at a way for another revenue stream,” Springett said.
Construction on the gym started in February 2020, nearly two years after the Merrylands board began the development process with Council.
“Construction has faced a number of obstacles with lock-downs and restrictions associated with COVID-19, so it is quite an achievement that it has all come together as it has,” Springett said.
“Club Umina management predict this new facility will positively impact not just upon the Club, but the local community as well.
“It is now open and members can enjoy a wider range of amenities designed to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle at a moderate cost of $13.50 a week.
“This exciting new development will help secure the Club Umina’s future and provide the Club with the opportunity to get more involved with the local community in another way.”
Maisy Rae