LOCAL LIFE
More room to play , train and keep active
at improved West Pennant Hills reserve
Cricketers , footballers and residents can now enjoy expanded opportunities for playing and training at George Thornton Reserve following the completion of renovations .
The 12-month project , made possible by a $ 984,556 investment through the NSW Government ’ s Greater Cities Sport Facility Fund , now offers enhanced sporting facilities to the local community , including extensions to the two original fields and a bonus third field , as well as new cricket practice nets .
Beyond the new and improved fields , new lighting , irrigation , and drainage were also installed , as well as a shared walkway around the site that provides connectivity to the surrounding streets .
Minister for Sport , Steve Kamper said projects like these show the NSW Government ’ s commitment to creating spaces and facilities that enable communities to enjoy and take part in sport .
“ We know that sports infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping people healthy , active and connected and I look forward to seeing all members of the community utilise these improved and extended facilities ,” Mr Kamper said .
Member of the Legislative Council Peter Primrose said the upgrades will meet the diverse needs of sporting clubs and residents in the area .
“ This is a great development , adding an extra field for active sport . But it also provides some really great opportunities for passive recreation for members of the local community and elderly people who need to get out for a break ,” Mr Primrose said .
Mayor of The Hills Shire , Dr Peter Gangemi said these enhancements amplify the sporting experience for athletes and contribute to the overall wellbeing and recreational activities of the broader community .
“ Council is proud to provide more facilities that will help support our residents to keep active and healthy ,” Mayor Gangemi said .
“ I would like to thank the NSW Government for their contribution and long-term commitment to the project , recognising the vital role of sporting facilities in promoting health , wellbeing , and community connectedness .
“ These improvements will support our growing clubs and allow more people to partake in the sport they love . “
George Thornton Reserve is home to the Redbacks Football Club , which is seeing a surge in registrations , notably among girls .
“ Our club ’ s registration is up on last year ’ s figures , and we still have a month
Peter Primrose , Mayor Gangemi and Phil Simmons from the Redbacks Football Club .
to go until they close ,” the President of the Redbacks Football Club , Phil Simmons said .
“ We ’ ve seen a surge in the number of young girls registering lately , and we believe it ’ s all thanks to the amazing performance of the Matildas in the World Cup . Couple this with an uplift in registrations also from young boys , ladies and men .
“ These young players are also bringing their friends along to play , which is fantastic .”
Mr Simmons thanked Council and the NSW Government for the recent improvements made to the reserve , especially the fields , which provide more and improved space for playing .
“ The facilities are not only refreshed and desirable for any player around the area but also offer more space for teams , young boys and girls , women and men , and families who are interested in playing football or just enjoying the reserve in general ,” he said .
“ The manicured surfaces are good to play on . This enhances the overall experience and reduces the chance of injuries , making them particularly ideal for higher-grade players .”
For additional information , please visit The Hills Shire Council ’ s website at www . thehills . nsw . gov . au and search for ‘ George Thornton Reserve ’.
10 ISSUE 105 // MARCH 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT