Local cricketers can look forward to improved and increased facilities on the Northern Beaches from early April following the completion of several upgrades.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said works had started at Weldon Oval (John Fisher Park) in Curl Curl, St Matthews Farm Reserve at Cromer and Killarney Heights Oval to install new cricket nets and other facilities.

“We’re pleased to be able to support local cricket teams and players by completing these important upgrades before the start of the 2018 season.

“Cricket is an increasingly popular sport on the Northern Beaches with participation rates growing more than six percent in the past three years.

“We want to keep pace with the local growth of the sport by providing more facilities to encourage active, outdoor play and help develop our junior players.

“Weldon Oval is particularly important to our junior cricket community and services more than 1,000 local cricketers each year,” Mayor Regan said.

Upgrades include:

- Six new cricket nets at Weldon Oval to replace the existing four nets and installation of a Sydney Water drinking station

- Three new cricket nets at St Matthews Farm to replace the existing two nets (the new nets will also cater for baseball)

- Three new cricket nets at Killarney Heights Oval to replace the existing two nets

- Power for bowling machines installed at all nets

- New synthetic grass at all nets which includes line and length measurements  

The Weldon Oval cricket nets have been partially funded by the Northern Beaches’ Cricket NSW community with the support of the Warringah, Harbord Bowling, Harbord Devils clubs.

Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer Andrew Jones said Cricket NSW was delighted with Council’s proposed improvements to cricket practice facilities in the Northern Beaches.

“Cricket is a growing sport and we are committed to supporting clubs, associations, schools and Councils to develop and improve their facilities.

“We are confident that these net upgrades will help foster the love of cricket in the local community with more girls and boys, women and men, participating in our great game,” Mr Jones said.

Cricket NSW contact: Teale Blessington, Community Facilities & Grants Coordinator Teale.Blessington@cricketnsw.com.au 0424 710 841