One of Wollongong's prime sporting locations will be more accessible than ever with the unveiling of a new amenities block at Lindsay Maynes Park, Unanderra on Monday.
The new facility was made possible by a $500,000 injection of funds from the NSW Government via the Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Grant Program, which aims to revive outdated sporting facilities to make them more accessible for women and girls.
This informed design of the new female friendly amenities including new toilets, showers and changeroom facilities that will allow for renewed and increased use of the Illawarra Criterium Track and newly improved Charcoal Park playground.
Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said it is a priority for Council to deliver upgraded gender-equitable facilities in our community.
"These facilities help to create positive experiences and increase female participation in sport and recreation activities, while also providing these opportunities for people with a disability,' he said.
"It's really important that everyone in our community has the opportunity to get out and about and enjoy the diverse recreational and sporting opportunities Wollongong offers.''
Other additions, including storage and first aid rooms, will allow the Illawarra Cycle Club to enhance training and competition activities and ensure the Illawarra Criterium Track continues to meet AusCycling's requirements to host major regional events.
Other groups like the Disability Trust's CycleAbility, and the general community who use the criterium track, will benefit from the improved facilities.
The closed-loop course, which was opened in September 2022, can be used by bike riders of all levels, as well as other non-motorised wheels like scooters and rollerblades.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM thanked the NSW Government for the investment in the facility as part of a shared commitment to making sporting facilities accessible for all.
"We have all witnessed the incredible growth of women and girls' participation in sport, as well as that of people with a disability," Cr Bradbery said.
"However, this is not always reflected in ageing sporting facilities, which is why Council is committed to upgrading sites like the amenities block at Lindsay Maynes Park.
"The new facilities are also fully accessible to users of the recently renewed Charcoal Park as part of Council's desire to see all community members enjoy our wonderful public spaces.
"We are grateful to the NSW Government for its support for these projects that ensure the community has access to safe and inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for many years to come."
Member for Keira and Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said the new amenities block is part of a broader commitment to ensuring equitable access to sporting facilities.
"I am proud to be a part of a government that is delivering on creating a level playing field for women at all levels of sport and providing these opportunities to upgrade and improve amenities to suit the users of sporting facilities and grounds," Mr Park said.
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said the upgraded facilities remove previous participation barriers, ensuring that all members of the community can enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.
"Local sports infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping communities healthy, active and connected and these upgrades mean that all members of the community can train, compete and play in an environment that makes them feel safe and supported to do so."
