Text and photos: Patrice Balauze
But what does that mean for us members of Sagene IF? Basically, only good news.
First, in the eastern part of the loop, we learn in Sagene Avis that security tape was erected around the large grass area.
Members of Old Oslo Rugbyklubb, now called Sagene IF rugby club is grinning from ear to ear at the moment. After merging with Sagene IF 4 years ago and getting an upgrade with brand new facilities including ; changing rooms, meeting rooms in a design club house, they will now have access to a much needed improved pitch. Timing could not be any better as COVID-19 took away hope from any game this year.
This is how the clubhouse looked:
This is the new clubhouse:
To Sagene Avis Guro Birkeland Tangen in Bymiljøetaten (BYM) gives a few details about the work ahead:
“The grass area will be upgraded. It involves deep aeration, sand dressing, fertilizing and sowing, as a result the whole area will be significantly smoother. Holes will be sealed, and drainage will be improved”.
“Upgrade will take some time and the work will last until the autumn. It is somewhat uncertain when the course can be used again, but not earlier than the spring of 2021”
This being said, it is not the only part of Voldsløkka getting a face-lift, a few yards away at Uelands gate 85, caterpillars, demolition and construction engines are raging to bring a brand-new school in fall 2023.
According to plan, 600 students will be be welcomed in 2023 and if we include further 500 from another new school at Treschows gate 16 only 10 min away, Sagene IF have some bright days ahead to recruit young ones and develop this area in a model of inclusion and integration.
On the top of a multi-purpose hall being built in this last school, Voldsløkka becomes a more and more attractive destination to those who likes being outside or practice different sports.
With more offers being added to their activities portfolio, not to name them all, Sagene IF already has at its disposal a land hockey pitch, a synthetic pitch, 8 sand volley, a skating rink and dosen of dedicated coach and parents to welcome their members.
To put in perspective how things are evolving this is picture from the same area 100 years ago.