Brand-new lights at the City of Playford's softball hub in Elizabeth have officially been switched on, as part of its investment in facilities to support local sport.
The lighting improvements will allow two of Playford's softball associations to co-locate, helping to make Ridley Reserve West a northern softball hub and home to women and men's softball.
Along with Council investment, an Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing grant was secured by Council to contribute towards the installation of 18 lighting towers with LED sports floodlighting.
The Central Districts Softball Association (CDSA) are currently located at the site, while the Northern Area Mens Softball Association (NAMSA) hosts its matches on Friday nights at Uley Reserve - a predominantly soccer-oriented facility based in Craigmore.
Lighting Ridley Reserve West will provide flexibility for both softball associations' game and training times and enable Council to provide another venue in the winter season for other sporting clubs to utilise.
This will significantly support strong participation growth in the northern area and remain in line with the Playford Sports Precinct Master Plan and Sports Facility Strategy 2023, which outlines the planning for sport facilities based on future trends and community needs.
Mayor Glenn Docherty said the investment provided both associations access to a purpose-built softball facility, creating a centralised home for softball in the north.
"We expect this upgrade and co-location to strengthen player numbers, provide more flexibility for scheduling and foster collaboration and skills development between the CDSA and NAMSA," Mayor Docherty said.
"The investment also positions Playford as a future host for larger, regional-scale softball tournaments and builds on Council's investment into providing modern sporting facilities across our city."
The lights are suitable for use in residential areas and feature multiple settings to ensure optimal illumination for games, while abiding by Australian standards on weeknights during practice.
The lighting installation will also enhance the community and player experience at the Softball SA Junior State Championships which will be hosted by CDSA from 21 - 23 February 2025.
Playford Community Development Grants have been secured by CDSA and NAMSA to help support this event, helping to provide a fantastic opportunity for young athletes.
Softball SA senior participation coordinator Catherine Westren said providing the two associations with a centralised homebase will prove to be a massive growth opportunity for the sport in the Playford area.
"It will potentially improve opportunities for local school competition and help grow grassroots and social aspects of softball. The lighting will also bring in new spectators by providing more exciting night games of softball," Ms Westren said.
"Softball SA is working with CDSA and NAMSA to develop softball in the Playford area and is excited to see the competition improve across both associations as they share their skills and passion for the sport."
Throughout the past four years, Council has invested in formalising the northern softball hub vision by installing permanent softball backstop fences, storage shed, irrigation upgrade and minor works to the clubroom.
Developing this high-level sports facility as part of the Playford Sports Precinct will continue Council's investment of providing a facility for a range of sports to meet the growing demand that comes with Playford's rich sporting culture.
Facilities in the precinct cater for international, national, state and community competition by providing appropriate infrastructure for local tennis, soccer, Australian Rules Football, bowling and swimming.
Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister Katrine Hildyard supported Playford's dedication to creating a modern sporting hub which will benefit women and men softball competitions.
"This important upgrade represents a significant milestone for softball in Adelaide's north and indeed our whole state," Minister Hildyard said.
"This investment perfectly aligns with our commitment to developing quality sporting infrastructure that enables more South Australians to participate in sport, while also enjoying the physical and wellbeing benefits of being active.
This development will make a difference to people in Adelaide's North for a long time and is a great example of what is possible through collaboration and commitment to community."
