EMMARENTIA – The squash courts and bowling greens at Marks Park Sports Club are quiet and the manager, Rusty van der Walt, has appealed to the public for assistance to return these sports to their former glory.
The sports club is known to excel in some unique sports such as baseball, croquet, archery and kettlebell lifting, but not every sport is popular.
The bowls section of the club closed down at the end of last year and since then the two bowling greens have only been used for croquet.
Squash has not been running formally at the club for several years, and people merely play socially by themselves on the five courts when they feel like it.
“Some sports are not generating much money anymore and many clubs are struggling due to a lack of interest – particularly from young people,” said Van der Walt. He expressed how sad it was for the club to have hosted the 2000 World Outdoor Bowls Championship, and just 17 years later there was no bowls being played on its greens.
This despite the facilities being kept in top-notch condition. Van der Walt hopes that soon, players will be able to play in bowls and squash leagues again.
“What we need are people from the public to take initiative. I need people to persuade their friends and come start something. Contact me and we will see if we can get a programme going for these sports.”
Van der Walt said the club’s open day on 1 April would be a good opportunity for the public to come see the sports and facilities on offer, and perhaps discuss a way forward for squash and bowls.
Details: manager@markspark.co.za
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