Local residents and visitors have more places to play and be active with the opening of the new junior oval at Tanunda Recreation Park.
Barossa Mayor Bim Lange and the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Katrine Hildyard officially opened the multi-purpose oval on Saturday, 25 February against the backdrop of a fiercely-contested junior cricket match between Tanunda and Mallala.
Mayor Lange said the new oval is a direct response to clubs that need room to grow, providing facilities that can grow with them.
"This oval offers another open green space where people can be active either through organised sport or casual recreation, like walking the dog or having a kick of the footy," he said.
"It delivers a much-needed additional playing surface that our sporting clubs are crying out for, which means they can play, train and participate longer and more often.
"With other major upgrades underway at the Park, including new clubrooms and changerooms, the Barossa really is well positioned to be a sports tourism destination."
An initiative of The Big Project, the project was delivered locally through Bishop Building.
The oval was jointly funded with the State Government through the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing as part of a $1.45 million package of works, which also includes new cricket nets.
Minister Hildyard said, "Children physically, mentally and socially benefit from being involved in sport, with many finding a strong sense of belonging through being part of a team and supportive club. Our Government supports initiatives that allow South Australian children to be more active and experience these benefits.
"This is an exciting moment for the community, providing greater accessibility to sport and recreation in the Barossa.
"Sporting clubs improve individuals' lives and facilitate stronger, healthier communities; investments like these support the growth of clubs and provide a brilliant return to locals.
"I thank everybody who has worked so hard and contributed in different ways to bring this project to life. May it serve as a place of connection, enjoyment and activity for many years to come."
Local Member for Schubert, Mrs Ashton Hurn, said it's fantastic to see the new junior oval delivered for the entire community.
"Grassroots sport is such an important part of our community, and having modern facilities and infrastructure goes a long way in encouraging people to stay active and healthy," she said.
"This project was supported with investment from the former Liberal Government, and it's another great addition for junior sport in our region."
