Bowlers meet at Springs Town Club for the last time
The City of Ekurhuleni has admitted that it will not be able to maintain the bowling grounds once the Springs Town Bowling Club moves out of Olympia Park Sports Grounds.
The City of Ekurhuleni has admitted that it will not be able to maintain the bowling grounds once the Springs Town Bowling Club moves out of Olympia Park Sports Grounds.
“The City would not be able to maintain all other grounds as per the expected standards of the various sport and recreation bodies or federations on the following grounds. This is because of shortages of personnel and lack of adequate specialised turf maintenance machinery and equipment due to budget constraints.
“Bowling greens, like other sport turfs, require personnel with skill, knowledge, and experience in turf maintenance as well as specialised machinery and equipment,” explained Zweli Dlamini, the metro’s spokesperson.
The club is closing due to its inability to meet the financial demands of the metro. The metro expected R10 800 per month, and 10% of their bar and tea room profits.
Also read: Last remaining bowling club in Springs closes down
In all the years the club has occupied the property, they have maintained it without any assistance from the municipality.
Members of the Springs Bowling Club met for the last time at Olympia Park Sports Grounds on Saturday morning.
“It is very sad that we are closing. I don’t feel that the metro cares about the old people in Springs. There is not much else for us to do recreationally,” said Dominique Ragusa. He has been a member of the club for more than 20 years.
Tokkie Hattingh, another longtime member of the club, said she is heartbroken.
“We could never afford to give the metro what they were asking for. Only two of the 29 main members of the club have full-time jobs. The rest of us are pensioners,” she added.
Dlamini explained that a meeting between the club and the official who is dealing with the sport facilities in Springs was held.
“During the meeting the club raised their objection to the amount of the rental. It was explained to the club that a rental amount is calculated on the market value of a property,” he added.
The metro has also confirmed that it has no plans for the property at the moment.
The Springs Town Bowling Club was the last remaining bowling club in Springs.
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