Lake Mac is now home to a national-level croquet centre with the opening of six new courts and associated facilities at Glendale.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser cut the ribbon on the $2.3 million centre at Bill Bower Oval on Tuesday morning, paving the way for the sport's growth in the city.
It is the largest croquet facility in NSW.
"This new purpose-built facility allows croquet to be played year-round, encouraging more participants and registrations," she said.
"It's really important that we provide sporting facilities like this, which cater for all ages and abilities. Active recreation is not just for the young – it's a vital part of keeping older people engaged, independent and healthy, and croquet is a wonderful outlet for this."
The Lake Macquarie Croquet Centre features field lighting, an amenities building with a kitchen area and meeting room, and a shared path connecting courts to the car park.
It is already booked to host the Australian Gateball Championships in 2025, and is built to national competition standards to host further large-scale events down the track.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Assets Management Rob Morris said the need for a croquet facility was identified in 2021 in Council's Development Contributions Plan for the Glendale Contributions Catchment.
"Throughout this project, we've worked very closely with Toronto Croquet Club to ensure we're delivering a quality venue that meets the needs of their members and the sport's wider community," Mr Morris said.
Toronto Croquet Club President Marion Davies said the club, which hosts more than 70 members and began in 1992, is hoped to expand further with the new centre.
"We have a lot of talent in the Hunter so we're very lucky in that respect," she said.
"This facility means that we will be able to host games year-round and on weekends, so we hope to attract younger players. We'd like to start a junior group."
"It's very much a thinking sport, very tactical so it's great for physical, mental and social health – we're a very social group."
The club will host a free open day on Sunday 21 April to introduce new players of all ages to the sport and the Glendale centre. It also plans to visit local schools in coming months to encourage younger participation.
Clubs from across NSW will converge on the venue early next month for a three-day tournament.
Other projects underway using Glendale Contributions Catchment funds include the new Harry Ford Park on the corner of Kelton and Veronica streets in Cardiff, and a new park on Minmi Road at Cameron Park.
Go to lakemac.com.au to find out more about Council's projects across the city.
