With the official opening of the transformed Artie Smith Oval earlier this month, the community has shown a keen interest in how the new facility will be used.
Unlike other sporting fields and ovals across the region, the premier facility has been designed to not only accommodate community sports clubs, but to also attract major sporting, entertainment and cultural events to the Shoalhaven.
Mayor Amanda Findley said she was excited to be delivering a contemporary regional sporting facility for the Shoalhaven but noted the playing surface and surrounding infrastructure requires a higher level of service to maintain.
"The prestige facility has become a major drawcard for local sporting groups thanks to the high-quality turf, lighting, infrastructure and club buildings," Cr Findley said.
"Council is already receiving enquiries for Local and Country Cricket, AFL clinics, AFL representative matches, as well as other sporting and community events leading into 2025," she said.
Artie Smith Oval is currently being used six days a week by local clubs, including:
- Cricket clinics
- Local cricket training
- Local pre-season AFL training
- First and Second grade cricket matches
- Representative cricket
"The large investment in the project is clearly evident and Council will work hard to ensure the precinct remains a quality training and sporting facility the envy of the state."
"Just like our other sporting fields across the region, we currently offer Artie Smith free of charge to local sports group."
Artie Smith Oval will receive specialised care and attention to prepare and maintain the playing surface, wickets, buildings and surrounds to ensure its status as a premium location.
Access to the sports fields and recreational precinct will be limited to scheduled training, games and events. Sporting groups and event organisers can contact Council's Booking Officer to enquire about availability and the booking process.
Andrew Ellis, Head Coach for the Bomaderry Tigers Australian Football Club said Artie Smith Oval has been home for the Bomaderry Tigers AFL club since its inception in 1970.
"The men's and women's senior playing group have been fortunate enough to commence their 2024 campaigns on the new state of the art surface since December 2023 and the feedback has been nothing short of remarkable," said Mr Ellis.
"From a personal perspective, as someone who has played AFL for Bomaderry since the age of 11, I still need to pinch myself each time I enter our new arena," he said.
"The recent upgrades to Artie Smith Oval is a significant milestone, not only for our proud club, but for the broader community as well. The club is extremely excited to have an opportunity to form the foundation of what will become another chapter of our great club."
At the end of the cricket season in March, the facility will be closed for three weeks for a seasonal renovation to prepare the field for AFL season, which runs from April to September 2024.
In the coming months, the children's playground will have access enhanced thanks to new fencing to enable community use throughout the day.
The Shoalhaven Community and Recreation Precinct Artie Smith Oval – Southern project is co-funded by Shoalhaven Council, the Australian Government, and the NSW Government's Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
The new Artie Smith Oval facilities include:
- AFL/Cricket field and pavilion clubhouse with modern amenities
- Cricket practice facilities designed to foster skill development
- Four meticulously designed croquet courts, complemented by a clubhouse and amenities opening in May 2024
- Open space embellishments, featuring play and exercise equipment, landscaping, pathways, and stylish seating furniture
- Onsite car parking for the utmost convenience of visitors
- Perimeter security fencing ensuring safe pedestrian access.
