07 Nov, 2017

Netball the big winner as $3.2 million park upgrade begins

Netball the big winner as $3.2 million park upgrade begins

Works commence today to upgrade Josie Agius Park / Wikaparntu Wirra (Park 22) courts so that thousands of netballers of all ages and abilities can enjoy high-quality facilities.
Josie Agius Park / Wikaparntu Wirra is home to 20 community netball courts in the South West Park Lands and received a $3.2 million Planning and Development Fund grant to revitalise the precinct.
The upgrade includes replacement of the existing courts, four additional courts, new court lighting, a new lawn area and walking trails that connect to the surrounding Park Lands.

Background

Netball is the most popular female sport in South Australia and the nation, and upgrades like these are aimed at increasing female participation in sport at both amateur and elite level.
The Government has committed over $20 million from the Planning and Development Fund towards projects which support the vision of the Park Lands as attractive, diverse, resilient and alive with activity.

Used by 200,000 people each year for school and amateur club competitions, this project is funded by the South Australian State Government and managed by the City of Adelaide, with the court upgrades due to be completed by December.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning John Rau
In July the State Government announced $3.2 million in funding to upgrade Park 22 from the Planning and Development Fund.
It’s great to see City of Adelaide progressing so quickly to begin work on the upgrade, with works to be completed before the summer netball competition recommences in 2018.
When it’s completed in December this precinct will provide an improved and safer area for netballers across Adelaide.

Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Martin Haese

The netball courts in the South West Park Lands are one of the best-utilised sporting facilities in the City of Adelaide and we welcome the State Government’s continued investment in our Park Lands.
Improving sporting facilities in our Park Lands encourages further participation in sport, increasing levels of physical activity and promoting a healthier, more active community.
It will be wonderful to see these rejuvenated courts being well-used by the community during the day and night, further activating what is a beautiful part of our city.

Quotes attributable to Minister Assisting the Minister for Recreation and Sport Katrine Hildyard

Netball is among the most popular sports for girls and women in Australia and this upgrade will ensure players in South Australia have the facilities they need to continue to participate at record levels.
Our State Government is committed to supporting the growth of women’s and girls sport through a range of initiatives and this redevelopment is tangible evidence of this.

Matt Halliwell