MEDIA RELEASE - Local athletes set to benefit from major upgrades to Box Road Reserve sports facilities
Local athletes and community users are set to benefit from a $2.39 million upgrade to the upper playing fields and facilities at Box Road Reserve which commenced on Friday 1 December, with an official sod-turning ceremony at the popular Sylvania sports precinct.
With Box Road Reserve playing fields used by a wide variety of local sports associations and clubs, the upgrades are set to deliver improved playing conditions for local footballers, cricketers, Oz-Tag competitors and students participating in Primary Schools Sports Association sport that currently use this site.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce, said he was delighted to officially get the project underway at the popular Sylvania sports precinct.
“Box Road Reserve plays host to such a diverse array of local sports across its expansive playing fields, and these upgrades will ensure that all those who train and compete here will have access to truly top-notch facilities,” Mayor Pesce said.
“We know that the Sutherland Shire is a community which has an extraordinarily strong sporting culture and that local residents really value the opportunity to get out and get active, whether that be pursuing personal fitness goals, getting involved in team sports or just enjoying our quality local outdoor recreational spaces.
“We have seen an explosion in interest locally in women’s football in the wake of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the stellar performance of the Matildas throughout the tournament. Excitingly, these upgrades will improve our ability to cater for increased participation in women’s football, enabling the continued growth of the game locally.”
Mayor Pesce was joined by representatives from Cricket NSW, Football NSW and Sylvania Heights Community & Youth Club, with the club having also contributed funding towards the project. Member for Miranda Eleni Petinos was also on hand to launch the start of works on the project, with the NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper represented by the Hon. Sarah Kaine, MLC.
These works come in addition to longer term works planned as part of Council’s Box Road Reserve Masterplan.
Member for Miranda, Eleni Petinos said that the eagerly awaited upgrade to Box Road Reserve would improve the amenities available to sporting groups and community users.
“This project is the result of collaboration on the vision for this important community facility by members of the Sylvania Heights Community and Youth Club and Sutherland Shire Council and brought to life by a $1.79 million grant from the former Liberal Government”, Ms Petinos said.
“Sport is integral to our lifestyle in the Sutherland Shire and I’m pleased that our community will shortly have access to a better sporting facility at Box Road Reserve with improved functionality.”
“The funding will deliver two levelled grass playing fields, LED floodlighting, a new cricket pitch and improved pathways for wider community use, all of which enhance both the sporting experience and safety for community users,” Ms Petinos said.
Work is expected to be completed by mid-2024.
Sutherland Shire Council is keenly focussed on delivering improved sports facilities and grounds, providing better recreational and sporting opportunities for residents of all ages, abilities and sporting interests. For more information see Council’s Sports Strategy.