WHAT was once a vast expanse of empty land at Don McDonnell Reserve is now a school holidays dream for Conroe Heights residents, with football goal posts, soccer goals and a cricket pitch installed and netball and basketball half-courts on the way.
Mount Gambier City Council installed the sporting infrastructure just in time for summer following a proposal from resident Brenton Telford in July.
Mr Telford, who has lived near the reserve for a decade, presented to council in June requesting an allocation be made in council’s 2017/18 budget for the installation of sporting equipment at the underused reserve.
“There was a playground for the little kids, but nothing here for the older kids and teenagers,” Mr Telford said.
“Before I presented the idea to council I walked around the area to have a chat to residents overlooking the park and the response was really positive.
“I’m impressed with the turnaround from council, they’ve shown initiative in getting it all up and running before the summer holidays.
“The school-aged kids that live nearby are rapt with it.”
Football enthusiasts James and Luke Allen had a kick after school this week and both agreed it was great to have a set of goal posts to practice their shots at goal.
“We live just around the corner – we’re excited to have heaps more to do here during the holidays,” James said.
“It’s pretty cool having the footy goals here.”
Mr Telford said council had avoided installing the infrastructure in areas that were prone to flooding in winter.
“The football and soccer area is bordered by trees that make it look almost like an oval and it’s on a flat, elevated surface,” he said.
“There was nothing installed on the undulating areas so none of the equipment will go under water in winter.
“Seeing kids outdoors and exercising and enjoying the equipment is rewarding – I’m looking forward to seeing plenty of kids out here during the school holidays.”
