As the Sumner Sports Pavilion’s rebuild gathers pace, reporter Kees Chalmers talks to the people behind the project about the history of the building, their connection to the park and the importance of community. Some of Sumner Sports Pavilion Rebuild campaign lead Amy Carter’s earliest memories are of her father, John ‘Herns’ McDermott, taking her to St Leonards Park to watch the senior rugby side play and teaching her how to ride a bike. McDermott died from liver cancer at the age of 50, when Carter was 21. The ground remains a source of connection for the family, with Carter now taking her own daughter, Isla, down to play rugby for the blue and black, often running into one of her father’s former teammates. Her connection to the place has driven her to lead the charge for the pavilion’s $3.4 million rebuild. “It’s a special place,” she said. The pavilion was originally built as the clubrooms for the Sumner Surf Life Saving Club, which was once located on the esplanade.…