Judy Masters Oval in Balgownie will be the latest sports field to have new LED lighting installed as Council continues its ongoing commitment to improving sporting facilities across Wollongong.
On Monday [22 February] a tender was accepted for works at the site which will result in significant lighting improvements to the popular pitch.
The anticipated upgrades will ensure lighting at the popular football (soccer) field meet Australian Standards and includes the replacement of several of the original poles that were removed.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said it is important that Council continue to meet the increasing demand for quality facilities.
"Sport is a significant contributor to our community's health and well-being. With better lighting, sportsgrounds can be used more extensively, from summer in cooler times of the day to winter when it gets darker earlier," Cr Bradbery said.
"Here in Wollongong we have 67 sportsground locations which attract many different players and visitors all year round. The facilities we provide at these locations play a key role in driving this community participation and sustainability. It's important to Council that we offer these facilities and maintain them appropriately too."
Council's Sports Ground and Sporting Facilities Strategy (2017-2021) identifies sportsfield lighting as a key priority as there is an increasing demand for training and competition use from local sporting clubs.
"Judy Masters Oval is mainly used by football teams in the area, largely a winter sport, and the lack of light during times of play is not helped with inadequate lighting," Cr Bradbery said.
"So, it is wonderful that these welcomed upgrades will give our local teams, from Juniors to Senior Representatives, greater opportunities for use as training sessions and games can be played at night."
Works on site are expected to start in April 2021 and are due to be completed by the end of June depending on weather and other conditions.
