Work has commenced on two significant sporting and recreation projects in Gawler with children and women the major beneficiaries.

During the week the sod was turned at the $4.8 redevelopment of the Gawler and Districts Netball Association (GDNA) courts at Hallam Drive Gawler, and at the new $600,000 play space at Reid.

Both projects are fully funded by the State Labor Government in fulfillment of election commitments made at the 2022 state elections, while their design, development, and delivery has been managed by the Town of Gawler.

Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo who advocated for the two projects, said it was great to see work commence on these two important pieces of sporting and recreational infrastructure in the town.

“During my previous term in parliament residents in Reid identified the lack of a play space for children was a major issue for them, as many young families lived in the area,” said Mr Piccolo.

“The Council has consulted extensively with the community and the focus on nature as part of the play space will create many learning and fun opportunities for the local children. I understand the playground will be ready for children to play on from late June.”

Mr Piccolo said an important aspect of the GDNA netball court project is that it will actually help build safer facilities which will comply with the Netball Australia National Facilities Policy.

“By having this facility redeveloped, it will enable the Gawler and District Netball Association, to host state-level competitions,” said Mr Piccolo.

“About 750 women and girls play during the summertime and 250 during wintertime. That will grow; I anticipate that will probably double very shortly once they have new facilities there.”

The project involves:

• Demolition of the existing thirteen courts and construction of ten new netball courts, oriented north to south with associated LED lighting.

• Three-metre-high fencing around the courts, benches, irrigated lawn viewing areas and a drinking fountain; and

• New car park for approximately 100 cars, with new lighting, paths, reorganised spaces, and a new sealed road connecting the precinct to Hallam Drive.

“I am pleased that we have been able to deliver these projects as promised,” said Mr Piccolo.