Kempsey have sounded the starter's siren on a higher standard of sporting facilities in the Macleay with the completion of a host of key elements in the new Verge and Eden Streets Sporting Complex.
The Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey joined Kempsey Shire Council Mayor Liz Campbell to open numerous components of the new Sporting Complex were officially opened on Thursday in front of a collection of local sporting groups.
The event capped of a key milestone for Council's $10 million project to improve sport and recreation and host large scale events in the Shire, funded through a NSW Government grant.
Mayor Campbell said the new sporting facilities were the result of many years work to improve sports infrastructure.
"These amazing facilities have come about after years of community engagement, strategic planning and funding applications, that have now come to life," said Cr Campbell.
"The Verge and Eden Street ovals have long been a spiritual home to sport in Kempsey, but this project takes them to a whole new level."
Minister Pavey congratulated Council on delivering the project to such a high standard and said this funding will support grassroots sporting clubs.
"The NSW Government is committed to helping build sporting infrastructure in our regional communities," Ms Pavey said.
"Sport is a vital part of our community - it brings our communities together and strengthens social networks - and I encourage everyone in Kempsey to come and use these amazing facilities."
Kempsey Shire Council Coordinator Parks Projects, Steve Pellen, said launching these features is an exciting taste of what the complex will offer residents and local sporting groups.
"The complex will be a real game-changer for residents and sporting clubs as it will not only be a hub for all things sport but a place for all members of the community to utilise."
"As well as quality sporting facilities, there's an inclusive walking track and fitness stations set up along the track, designed by local exercise physiologist Michael Kempe to be suitable for all ages and abilities," said Mr Pellen.
Amongst features unveiled on Thursday include:
1.3km running/walking track
Four exercise stations
Competition standard lighting on all fields, netball courts and ancillary areas
The upgraded Verge Lane, Vincent Street and Verge Street car parks
A new field irrigation system including installation of 200,000 litre water tanks.
Two new turf wicket tables
Two new basketball courts
11 netball courts
Six lane cricket net facility.
An additional feature of the project is the installation of non-potable water tanks for irrigation and planned installation of solar panels on the new buildings providing net zero carbon energy usage across the site.
"The water tanks are a great asset to the complex, providing a sustainable way to irrigate the fields. The use of solar will allow energy to be stored in batteries which will be sufficient to power utilities needed at the grounds," said Mr Pellen.
The next chapter in the Verge and Eden Street story was also unveiled on Thursday in the form of the designs and plans for the next stage of the development.
