National Park’s 30 netball courts will receive a $627,000 overhaul designed to provide safer court surfaces for thousands of players ahead of the new season.
Funded by the Newcastle Netball Association and delivered with support from the City of Newcastle, the project will include court surface grinding, crack repairs, asphalt works, new line marking and court numbering.
Heavy-duty Netball NSW endorsed Plexipave surface will also be included in the upgrades.
Newcastle Netball Association President Cheryl Hernando said the upgrade would provide players with important safety improvements and a better competition surface.
“Over 4,000 players utilise these courts throughout the year,” Hernando said.
“The enhanced safety measures this revitalisation will provide will be gladly welcomed.
“The new acrylic court surface will deliver a range of benefits for players including better traction underfoot, further cementing National Park as the premier netball facility in Newcastle.”
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the City of Newcastle was committed to protecting and enhancing the vital green space and active recreation areas.
“Projects such as the upgrade of the netball courts by Newcastle Netball Association demonstrate the passion and commitment local sporting groups and community members also feel for National Park,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“I commend them for moving ahead with this important upgrade, which will provide safe, activated and enhanced recreation spaces for the community, including thousands of registered netball players who take part in Saturday morning, twilight and representative competitions each year.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the netball courts were an important part of the National Park sporting precinct and offered recreational opportunities for all.
“As one of our largest and oldest sportsgrounds and open space reserves, National Park plays an important role in the livability of our city,” Cr Nelmes said.
The netball court precinct will be closed during the construction period and will be finished by March 2022.
To find out more about all the project updates, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au.
Information source: Media release, City of Newcastle