Sports’ fresh fields

LOCAL cricketers took guard for the first time last Friday at the new Coolum Sports Complex and were bowled over by the major upgrades to the facility.
Acting Sunshine Coast mayor Tim Dwyer said the upgrade increased sporting opportunities for the Coolum community.
“The council has worked with the State Government on this $2.4 million expansion as part of the council’s Coolum Sports Complex Masterplan,” Cr Dwyer said.
“This upgrade was jointly funded by council and the Queensland Governments department of National Parks, Recreation, Sporting and Racing ‘Get Playing Plus’ program.”
Division 9 councillor Steve Robinson joined Murrumba MP Chris Whiting and the Coolum Cricket Club to officially open the new field and facilities today.
“The new multi-use field caters for a variety of sports, including junior cricket and soccer, and the local clubs are very excited to have such a great facility here in Coolum,” Cr Robinson said.
“As well as the new field, which has a synthetic turf cricket pitch with a junior boundary, the expansion includes a training area, 78 car parks with LED lighting, pathways, field lighting and shade trees.
“We have also recently completed work on a new amenities block, which includes storage space for the clubs and an undercover viewing area.
“This project also uses smart city lighting, which allows individual clubs to control field lighting through their smartphones.
“Providing quality sporting facilities helps council foster vibrant, active communities and achieve its goal of becoming Australia’s most sustainable region.”