A revamped basketball facility in South Grafton represents a continuum of enhanced sporting facilities in the Clarence Valley, according to Mayor Ian Tiley.
The Mayor attended the official opening of the JJ Lawrence Field Basketball Court Replacement, which was fully funded by a $200,000 grant under Round Four of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
“This is a wonderful revamped facility that will be enjoyed by a wide range of community groups,” Mayor Tiley said.
“I thank the NSW Government for the funding. This is part of continuum of enhancements to Clarence Valley sporting facilities in recent years under the watch of recently retired MP Chris Gulaptis.
“Not long ago we announced lighting and change room improvements across the fence at McKittrick Park, and last month some changeroom upgrades at Yamba Sports Complex.”
Picture: Renovations of the Yamba Sports Complex changerooms were fully funded by a $152,011 grant under the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Meanwhile, funding for future drainage and resilience improvements to Hawthorne Park and Rushforth Park in South Grafton, Barnier Park in Junction Hill and Yamba Sports Complex was secured in December when the NSW Nationals announced $1,479,125 in funding designed to restore and improve flood-hit sporting infrastructure.
The new basketball court, multi-purpose court and supporting infrastructure at JJ Lawrence Field are a welcomed upgrade to the previous facilities that had served the community well. The new facilities ensure a high quality, level playing surface free of any potential trip hazards.
One of the first official events at the venue will be Beats, BBQ & Basketball from 10am to 3pm on Friday, 21 April as part of Youth Week 2023. Basketball NSW and Indigenous Basketball Australia will run skills, drills and games while the event hosted by Solid Mob will also feature Mad Proppa Deadly delivering songwriting workshops, a free barbecue and plenty of other fun interactive activities run by local services.
Members of South Grafton High School’s Open Boys Basketball team were among the first to test out the new facilities. The school plans to take advantage of the revamped venue as part of the school sport program.
As well as being a hot spot for community members to play basketball and other ball sports, it is also known to be a popular location for toddlers learning to ride bicycles.
Clarence Valley Council has been awarded $1,453,482 towards the redevelopment of the Grafton Aquatic Centre under Round Five of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.