Bayside residents braved the weather to attend the official opening of Barton Park following a $51,700 million upgrade that transformed an old sports field into a sporting and recreational hub for Bayside's growing population.
The opening included a League One Women's game between St George FC and Sutherland Shire FA. This was also the very first game played on the new turf and St George won 6-0.
The second match, that saw St George FC take on Sydney Olympic FC in a National Premier Leagues NSW Men's match, was also won by the home side.
Official proceedings kicked off at 6pm with speeches by Mayor, Bull Saravinovski, Steve Kamper MP for Rockdale, and Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces Stephen Bali.
The project, made possible with support from the NSW Government, includes a new state-of-the-art facility with a 450-seat spectator grandstand, natural turf sporting fields, multi-use courts suitable for basketball, futsal and handball, four tennis courts, new amenities, and improved road access and parking.
Council also worked to protect the wetland areas along Cooks River and Muddy Creek while creating open space for other recreational activities like walking, bird watching and family picnics.
Mayor Bill Saravinovski said:
"This park has a rich history, particularly in the Australian football landscape, being known as a premier sporting facility for many years, Mayor Bill Saravinovski said.
"It's been a huge four-year journey for Council to deliver this incredible space and the transformation is truly remarkable.
"These facilities will provide the opportunity for our next generation of sporting heroes and will offer so much value to the community."
