From school playground additions to bins turned into pot plants, there’s a wide range of ways locals have repurposed items salvaged from the Grafton Olympic Pool.
The items were auctioned in early June ahead of demolition of the site for the construction of the new Regional Aquatic Centre.
Twelve different people scored bargains on 46 lots sold, giving a second life to items otherwise destined for landfill.
“The reasons people secure items have ranged from the practical to the nostalgic,” Director Works and Civil Jamie Fleeting said.
“The highest priced items was $1350 for a 20,000 litre water tank, while others were snapped up for just a few dollars.
“In total we raised $8376, which will be funnelled back into the project. But more importantly, we have helped reduce the environmental impact of these items going into landfill.”
St Joseph’s Primary School in South Grafton will be the beneficiary of two of the fibreglass shade umbrellas. They were purchased for $224 by Grafton businessman Brett Nay, who has been engaged by the school to do some landscaping.
“The additions include a couple of outdoor learning areas, or yarning circles, and the umbrellas will provide a bit of shade for the kids,” Mr Nay said.
“They are going to be pressure cleaned, tidied up and repainted in the school colours.
“I tried to buy a few more things, such as the tables, for an outdoor barbecue area at another place I’ve got, but I was outbid.”
Meanwhile, some sentimental thinking from South Grafton real estate agent Allison Whaites has resulted in a number of items finding a new home at heritage-listed McKittrick House – originally the home of South Grafton’s first mayor (1897-98), J.T. McKittrick.
“I think the demolition of the old pool and building of a new pool is a big thing for the community, and I didn’t want to see these things go to waste,” Ms Whaites said.
“It’s part of the history of who we are.
“The house is at 47 Through Street, and the letterbox doesn’t have numbering, so the four and seven starting blocks will be going at the front of the house.
“Two lions at either side of the front of the house were stolen many years ago. They have now been replaced by the two bins, which are about 100 kilograms each and are now planter boxes for camellias. For six dollars, I thought they would be perfect for such a grand house.”
For $12, Ms Whaites secured all 350 metres of lane rope. But it’s the two reels that caught her attention.
“One will be turned into a big spit roast, and the other for passionfruit vines,” she said.
“I have given the lane ropes to a friend who will using the wiring for their front verandah, and the plastic for electric fencing on their property.”
