Sporting clubs are set to benefit from major upgrades to the facilities at McKittrick Park in South Grafton.
Renovations to the change rooms, public amenities and the referee room have been completed along with replacements to lighting of the sports field.
All three tiers of government were involved in funding the projects which were officially opened today (18 Aug). Clarence Valley Mayor Ian Tiley, General Manager Laura Black and NSW Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis were among those in attendance.
“The improved facilities and new lighting open an exciting new chapter for future use of the park by the community,” Mayor Tiley said.
“The South Grafton Rebels – who call McKittrick Park home – have more than 200 kids registered playing junior league. The venue is also one of the premier cricket grounds in the Clarence Valley.
“Hundreds of people will benefit every sporting season from these upgrades which have been designed with a universal fit out. The showers now have partitions for the first time, making it a safe and inclusive space for all.”
The majority cost of the McKittrick Park Upgrades project was funded by the NSW Government through the Stronger Country Communities Fund ($185,722) and the remaining $14,000 by Council.
Mr Gulaptis said the upgrade to McKittrick park included the demolition and replacement of fixtures and fittings including basins, bench tops and ambulant toilets, painting, application of non-slip epoxy flooring, upgraded LED lighting, new privacy partitions and new bench seating in change rooms.
“The whole community benefits when all three tiers of government work in partnership together to deliver positive outcomes for the local communities they represent,” he said.
The field lighting cost $432,895 which included $240,000 in funding as part of more than $2 million received from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, designed to support councils deliver priority infrastructure projects to support jobs and help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Hogan said the new lighting is an exciting development for this important community asset.
“The old field lighting was upgraded to improve the lighting output with new LED fittings that also improved energy efficiency,” he said.
“The timber light poles were replaced with new higher poles meeting current Australian Standards.”
Several local contractors collaborated with Council’s Open Spaces & Facilities team to deliver the projects, including Ben McLennan Construction, Ryan Atkins Plumbing, Fennessy Painting & Decorating, MGR Electrical, Alan Kneale Electrical and Musco Lighting.
