BODY BIKE APAC
BODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…
read moreSydney's Northern Beaches Council has opened its latest synthetic sports field development - a $3.4 million upgrade which includes two full size football fields, a small junior football pitch plus a senior AFL oval.
The Lionel Watts Reserve in Frenchs Forest, home of the Wakehurst Tigers Football Club and Forest Lions Junior AFL Club, becomes the fourth location in local government area and the area’s largest sporting venue to offer artificial turf.
During the recent launch of the facilities, Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan stated “Council has invested heavily into the project and we are very excited about what it offers the community on many levels.
“For me, it is one of our standout projects in recent years, providing a first class all-weather field to football, AFL, softball, cricket and touch football among other sports.
“Everyone knows how popular soccer is on the Northern Beaches when it comes to participation numbers, and it is great to have two more synthetic pitches at Lionel Watts in addition to what we already have at Cromer Park, Narrabeen Sports High and Melwood Oval in Forestville.
“No one likes to see their sporting games cancelled due to wet weather, and the more synthetic pitches we have in use, the more fixtures will be able to be completed.”
Welcoming the new surfaces, Wakehurst FC President Greg Dick thanked Council for the significant community upgrade, advising “we are now in a position to host games for many years all year round and not have to worry about the weather.
“Some of our older players have said to me they can’t wait to have fixtures where the pitch won’t resemble a dust bowl.”
Lionel Watts Reserve was handpicked by the Council for an upgrade due to its status as the most intensively utilised sportsfield across the calendar year.
Further projects at the site, including the delivery of a skate park and a regional all-abilities children’s playground, are underway.
Mayor Regan went on to reveal the next planned location for synthetic sporting pitches in the area, adding “Council is excited that the next synthetic conversion, at Millers Reserve in Manly Vale, has started its planning stage.
“We will continue to investigate other opportunities to convert other sporting fields and encourage more kids to participate in active recreation over the coming months.”
Last year, the Mayor explained “the construction of these synthetic fields is part of the implementation of the Glen Street Open Space Masterplan and is an integral part of delivering on Council’s commitment to the 2017 Northern Beaches Sportsgrounds Strategy.
“The community not only has a need, but a demand to meet the shortfall of sportgrounds in the area. Council is committed to providing the community with the opportunity to participate in sports to improve physical well-being and social connectedness.
“This site will provide sporting groups with a consistent; all weather, first class premium quality facility which will means more training and playing time for all players.”
The Council also used the redevelopment of Lionel Watts Reserve to upgrade an adjacent off leash dog park at the Frenchs Forest Showground by using the high quality top soil from excavating the natural fields at the site.
Images show the new artificial turf surfaces at Lionel Watts Reserve.
17th April 2019 - Threatened Sydney Northern Beaches golf club secures new long term lease
14th March 2019 - Northern Beaches Council announces new sport facilities and creative art precincts
11th April 2018 - Sydney’s Northern Beaches Council opens new synthetic football field
11th August 2017 - Dee Why facility opening part of new era for PCYC in NSW
29th April 2017 - Northern Beaches Council considers sacrificing golf courses for sports fields
7th March 2016 - Flares damage artificial turf surface at Leichhardt’s Lambert Park
15th December 2014 - Lane Cove Council opens two new artificial turf pitches
2nd December 2014 - Innovative cooling system to reduce artificial turf temperatures
23rd October 2013 - Accessible beach reserve set to open on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
12th June 2013 - New artificial turf surface opens at Sydney United Sports Centre
2nd July 2012 - Australia’s first Fieldturf Revolution playing surface unveiled at Cromer Park
23rd January 2012 - Artificial turf beat up fails to highlight alternatives
21st January 2011 - Interstate Championships set to light up Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
BODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…
read moreAPT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…
read moreTrack. Engage. Retain GreeneDesk is a suite of cloud based software solutions helping health clubs, leisure centres and swim schools to effectively track progression, improve customer engagement and…
read moreOriginally founded to meet the specific training requirements of its own venue management operations, Ampd Academy now embraces a broader mission to combat skill shortages across Australian…
read moreA leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…
read moreBH Fitness, part of the long-standing and iconic bike manufacturer BH Group, is a global leader in fitness equipment for both Commercial and Home markets. The company, with the headquarters based in…
read moreWe are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…
read moreSLE Worldwide Australia is a Managing General Underwriter specialising in insuring risks in the world of Sports, Leisure and Entertainment. Be it relaxing, playing, organising or watching sports,…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!