A new synthetic sports field at Coral Sea Park in Maroubra is already proving popular with young footballers just days after fences came down on the 10-month-long Randwick City Council upgrade.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker officially opened the new sports field on Saturday 5 August 2023 amongst a gaggle of excited young aspiring footballers.
“This new facility provides an all-weather playing field for our local teams,” says Mayor Parker. “The increased availability and reduced maintenance compared with a turf field will provide an estimated additional 2,000 hours of extra play time each year.
“I’m very pleased that Council has delivered this important improvement for our local community – particularly given the growing interest in football and demand for field space inspired by our incredible Matildas national team.”
The Randwick Council project involved redesigning the park field layout to increase the size of the turf fields as well as delivering the all-weather field.
Sports field lighting was upgraded to provide for safer and additional training during winter, cricket training nets were enhanced with a third practice pitch added and the existing basketball courts retained.
Extensive drainage improvement works were undertaken in 2022 to fix a leaking stormwater pipe which was causing erosion and ponding issues in the park.
An extensive restoration of the main stormwater lines running under the park were undertaken in 2022 prior to commencement of construction of the new field.
Coral Sea Park is home to the Maroubra United Football Club who have used the ground since 1962. The 1,300 strong member club includes 958 kids aged under 18 making it the largest football club in Randwick City.
Club President Ian Robinson welcomed the opening of the new synthetic sports field saying it provided more playing hours and options for both their junior and senior teams.
“Maroubra United would like to thank Randwick Council for their investment in the local community,” Mr Robinson said.
“This fantastic facility will allow us to provide year-round football to all our players, who range from 5 to 75 years old.
“Grassroots clubs are the nursery for our elite players and discovering the joys of football on quality surfaces like this will hopefully lead to more Maroubra players representing Australia,” he said.
