TULLY Park Indoor Sport Centre closes today.
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Lessee of the indoor sporting facility, Garry Mortimer said on Saturday he wished he could keep the centre going, but he cannot continue to run at a loss.
“I feel really sad that it has come to this,” Mr Mortimer said.
“Escalating costs and the loss of patronage have combined to force me to make this decision.
“I have enjoyed facilitating the indoor cricket and other competitions and teaching youngsters cricketing skills over the past 10 years.
“Our users included most of the disability service groups in Goulburn and almost all of the schools, as well as numerous sporting clubs and private groups who use the courts in conjunction with children’s and adult parties.
“We have provided coaching for over 100 junior cricket players and identified potential in several players who have taken their sport beyond the local competition to representative level.
“I am really proud of my part in helping youngsters to improve their cricketing skills and to maintain their interest in the sport in the winter off season. I feel like I am letting the kids down but there is nothing I can do.”
Earlier this year the centre suffered major storm damage with over 100 holes in the roof. It took months before the centre was operational again.
While the cost of repairs was covered by by the insurer the length of time the centre was out of action or operating at reduced capacity meant loss of customers and therefore loss of income.
Escalating insurance and maintenance costs as well rent and electricity have all contributed to the overall running costs, which have to be met first before Mr Mortimer derives any income for his own living expenses.
The fees he charges are well below those of the Sydney and Canberra facilities.
“Goulburn people cannot afford those levels of fees, he said.
“When I increased fees modestly about 18 months ago - I lost around a third of my clients.
“I would love to keep the centre open but It would need a very generous injection from someone of means to help us rebuild the client base and make the centre viable.
“To all the parents who have been so supportive and the youngsters - I am really sorry but I cannot continue on my own.
“Sport particularly cricket has been my major reason for running the centre over the past 10 years.
“ Since I made the decision to close, I have received many messages of support. Lots of people have come forward to help me remove and store the equipment.
“Unfortunately, the problem I face with escalating costs and a shrinking client base is not unique.
You only have to look around Goulburn or other centres and see the bowling clubs, 10-pin bowling alleys, roller rinks squash courts and other sporting centres that have closed.
“Initially when places open there is a strong performance but as time progresses the novelty wears off and casual users become less unless centres find other ways of getting people in through the doors.”
Mortimer has been fairly successful with this offering a wide variety of sporting services, party bookings and coaching as well as encouraging other sporting organisations to use the centre.
However increasing the charges to cover increasing costs and the time out of action with restricted trading while the extensive storm damage was repaired have all had a negative impact, even though the fees and charges are well below those charged in larger cities.
On Saturday and Sunday many of the sportspeople who regularly used the Tully Park Indoor Sports Centre helped Mortimer and his family to disassemble and remove the equipment and provided temporary storage for it.