New Community Space at Summerhill
Pāpāmoa has a new community gathering space with a million-dollar view, thanks to the generosity of a charitable trust and its supporters.
Summerhill’s newly built ‘Community Base’ is designed to be used by groups including schools, early childhood, youth, recreational organisations, and corporates.
The 100sqm building is the next step in Summerhill Charitable Trust’s mission to serve the community with its land and forest for recreational and educational purposes.
Nestled in the Pāpāmoa Hills, Summerhill Farm was the home of David and Cloie Blackley, who in 2012 gifted 126ha to the Trust so it could be shared with the community. It is now known for its extensive mountain bike trails through the forests, as well as its good walking access across to the neighbouring Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park. It is home to events such as the Summerhill Skedaddle fun-run, and mountain biking events including the AIMS Games, who will all make use of the new base.
Trust administrator Nadine Bailey says the new space represents more than a building; it’s part of the Trust’s long-term mission to ensure as many people as possible enjoy the land. As well as providing a base for events, they hope it will attract other groups to enjoy their time in the Pāpāmoa Hills.
“This space will make Summerhill more available for people to enjoy. It’s going to help to grow and support community events here. The trust’s vision was that it would be used by the community.”
The new building is adjacent to the existing woolshed; Summerhill is still a working farm with cattle and 600 sheep. And of course, it features stunning views over Pāpāmoa and the coastline.
“What makes it really unique is the proximity to the farm and the forests,” says Nadine.
The Base, designed by University of Auckland student Leith Macfarlane and built by Charlie Cruikshank from CC Built with timbers supplied by Summerhill Timbers, is the perfect spot for meetings. Its unique design features wool-stuffed walls and timber from the farm, a ‘tuck shop’ wall with pop-out windows, and a new toilet block.
Bookings have already come in from groups eager to use the space. We are working with a local author to bring ECE story time to the Base, and hope the space is used for other offerings like this.
The farm has continued to develop since it was gifted to the trust in 2012. The carpark has recently been upgraded thanks to Bay of Plenty Regional Council. And over the next 10 years, its forest will be transformed from exotic trees to natives. Volunteers are also working hard on eliminating predators like possums, rats, and cats.
“There are some wonderful volunteers who love this place so much,” says Nadine.
The Base was made possible thanks to funding from grants and sponsorship which makes up nearly two thirds of the total build cost. TECT’s contribution of more than $300,000 was a huge boost, alongside funding from Cloie and David Blackley, Grassroots Trust, The Lion Foundation, Lottery Grants Fund, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Summerhill Timbers, One Foundation, PGG Wrightson and Legacy Funerals.
For more information about the space or booking, see the Summerhill website, www.summerhill.nz.