A major milestone for recreation in the Barossa will be written into the history books on 22 March when community and sporting groups gather to celebrate the grand opening of the new-look Tanunda Recreation Park.
The extended main oval, overlooked by new clubroom and changerooms, is set to launch into action with footy, cricket, netball and tennis displays from 4.15pm, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony with special guest, the Hon Katrine Hildyard MP at 5pm and tours of the spectacular new facilities which include public lounge, bar, spectator viewing areas and more.
Mayor Bim Lange said the contemporary facilities represent an investment of $6.496 million, part of an overall investment of more than $11 million (including State Government grant funds) at the Park, that has developed a regional venue the Barossa can be proud of.
"This is a premier facility in regional South Australia, supporting our joint aspiration with the SANFL, SACA to develop the Barossa as a sports events tourism destination," Mayor Lange said.
"But these facilities are more than just infrastructure - they help build stronger clubs, provide social connection for people of all ages and support community wellbeing.
"High quality, inclusive facilities like these help clubs stay strong and grow and help keep people actively involved in sports and recreation.
"As well as supporting grassroots sports, they also draw players, spectators and visitors from outside the region, which provides a boost to the region's economy."
Tanunda Football Club president Kym Underwood said the community now had a safer, high-quality environment for playing and training.
"Naturally our footy club is really excited but really, this is about more than just sport," Kym said.
"It's so important to provide avenues for people, especially youth, to be active and participate in healthy activities."
With Tanunda Cricket Club having recently won the title of "SACA Cricket Facility of the Year", TCC president Stuart Swan said the renewed main oval also provided certainty for seasons to come.
"After many years of interrupted cricket because of the playing surface and drainage, this has future-proofed our oval and really made it a showpiece," he said.
Mayor Lange invited the community to check out the award-winning facility at Friday's grand opening.
"This is a great opportunity for people to celebrate the 'SACA Cricket Facility of the Year' win, see the new development and watch our local athletes in action on the oval and courts."
