Two new all-weather playing surfaces are on the table in a proposal for Callan Park that would provide much-needed additional capacity for football in the area.
Balmain & District FC and Leichhardt Saints FC have both pledged their support of the proposal, which was put forward by Inner West Council Mayor Darcy Bryne and Councillor Philippa Scott.
These fields would be delivered using modern technology and cork infill, which has already been successfully implemented at other all-weather surfaces in the Inner West and across Sydney, including at Lambert Park and Tempe Reserve. The design would seek to incorporate disability access for a range of sporting activities.
The proposed fields would make use of less than 2 percent of the 61 hectares of space in Callan Park but would massively increase community use of the park. The proposal includes a new fenced, off-leash dog walking area to support local dog walkers to use Callan Park. The location of the area will be determined through consultation with local dog walkers.
The approximate cost for the project is $7 million - $8 million, to be funded from a $20 million commitment made by the NSW Government to improve Rozelle Parklands and provide additional sporting and recreation facilities nearby.
Football Canterbury CEO Trent Thomas expressed excitement at the prospect of seeing a further two all-weather surfaces within the Association footprint.
“It would be a tremendous win for the local community, many of whom are involved in the game.
“We’ve surpassed 19,000 players this season, our biggest ever season, and by all accounts these numbers look set to climb.
“Over the past 12 months the huge increase in female participation – spurred on by the success of the Matildas – has fast-tracked the need for improved facilities.
“The community’s appetite for football clearly continues to grow and, given the popularity of our sport and buoyed by population growth in the area, it’s at a point where we need new facilities such as these to simply meet demand.”
“Now more than ever before we must be bold in our response to what the community wants with regards to their sporting choices. It’s evident they have already voted with their feet and see grassroots football as a fun and safe sport to stay fit and be active.”
Trent Thomas also noted the recent impact of weather on the football season, and how these new playing surfaces could impact that.
“It’s no secret there have been a huge number of wash-outs and rain-impacted games due to ground closures. All-weather playing surfaces, as their name indicates, offer a solution to ensuring football games can reliably go ahead.
“Football Canterbury are very supportive of seeing all-weather surfaces in the Callan Park precinct, and I look forward with much anticipation for the outcome of this proposal”.
The motion will be tabled at the Inner West Council meeting in August.
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