2 minute read
A change in the air
More upgrades on the way
The upgrade to changerooms at Central Districts Football Club is just one of a number of projects Council will undertake in 2022/23 to improve sport and recreation facilities across the city. It is part of Council’s commitment to creating opportunities for people to play sport, socialise and be active.
Argana Park, Elizabeth Downs
Extra carparking, more changerooms and better lighting.
McGilp Recreation Park, One Tree Hill
Oval extension, new changerooms, BMX track and carparking upgrades.
Ridley Reserve
Installation of floodlighting to allow twilight and night use for sports including softball, football and soccer.
Sport and Recreation minor Projects
A range of improvements including throwing cages for discus at Kooranowa Reserve and Duncan Anderson Reserve, fencing at Eyre Sports Park, coaches’ boxes for the main soccer pitches at Argana Park and Mofflin Reserve, and new cricket practice nets for the Craigmore Cricket Club at Argana Park.
A change in the air
Three new unisex changerooms will soon be completed at the X Convenience Oval in Elizabeth, as participation in women’s AFL continues to increase across Playford. Skipper of the Central Districts Football Club (CDFC) and the Bulldogs’ 2022 Best and Fairest, Shelby Smith is excited for the future of women’s Aussie Rules. From watching her dad play at Centrals, to now playing for the same club and having her daughter watch the team on game day, Smith acknowledges that things have come a long way since she was younger. “You’ll notice the impact that women’s footy will have on younger generations,” Shelby said. “SANFL competitions and now AFLW – girls have more to strive for and role models to look up to. Female representation is so important.” This year the Central District Football Club had more than 120 female players try out for the youth development squad across under 14 and under 16 age groups. A new report released by the SANFL said there would need to be at least 12 extra football ovals in South Australia by 2032 to meet the growth in female participation. The report also acknowledged that 80 per cent of the current football changeroom facilities are of an inadequate standard for female players and umpires. The three new changerooms at Central Districts each include showers, toilets and a trainers’ room and are an essential part of having modern, purpose-built facilities available to meet growing demand. The project was jointly funded by the Office of Recreation, Sport and Racing and the City of Playford.
Immerse yourself in Bulldogs’ culture at the home of CDFC, Grand Central on Goodman Road, Elizabeth. With a bistro, weekly specials and even Tuesday night bingo, it’s a place to not only enjoy the footy.
