A North Otago irrigation pond will serve a dual purpose from Saturday when it opens to the public for recreational use.
The Lower Waitaki Irrigation Company will open the five hectare pond, near Oamaru, which residents can use for an annual cost of $50.
The Lower Waitaki Water Sports Trust has bought 10 yachts, 15 kayaks, two paddle boards and an inflatable rescue boat for the facility, which also has a floating jetty.
Trust chairman Richard Willans says it's an exciting project for the area, as Oamaru's coastline and the Waitaki River are not water-sport friendly.
