Image Caption: Ming Lau of North Kellyville Advocacy Group, Mayor Gangemi, President of Rouse Hill Rhinos Paul Fuda, and President of Kellyville Supersonics Sports Club Anbu Ezhilan.
Hills residents and locals from the growing suburb of North Kellyville celebrated a significant milestone on Saturday 23 September.
The occasion marked the grand opening of Samantha Riley Drive Reserve, a state-of-the-art sports reserve.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi, was joined by members of local sporting teams, including the Rouse Hill Rhinos Rugby League and the Kellyville Supersonics Sports Club, to officially inaugurate Samantha Riley Drive Reserve during a vibrant community event.
Attendees had an exciting day filled with free activities, including cricket drills led by the local club, face painting, basketball, and a barbecue fundraiser.
The reserve is North Kellyville's first-ever sporting complex, heralding new opportunities for residents and surrounding communities to engage in diverse sports and recreational activities.
"The opening of Samantha Riley Drive Reserve marks a significant milestone in promoting the wellbeing and recreational opportunities of our local community," Mayor Gangemi said.
"It will become a significant centre for community sports in North Kellyville, and I am confident it will be where our future sporting stars are born.
"Council is proud to have delivered this facility on time and budget, overcoming challenges, including wet weather and vandalism that caused significant damage to the fields."
Samantha Riley Drive Reserve offers an impressive array of amenities, including four versatile multi-purpose fields that can be effortlessly transformed into two spacious ovals with two cricket-wickets.
The facility also includes a basketball shooting circle, two cricket nets, a playground, picnic facilities and pathways that connect to the local pedestrian network.
Visitors will benefit from the convenience of an amenities building with fully equipped change rooms, a canteen, a dedicated referee room, and a generously sized 200-space carpark.
President of Rouse Hill Rhinos, Paul Fuda, said the new sports complex will enable his club's growth, particularly with the launch of their first under 12s girls' rugby league team.
"The Rhinos already have 30 teams, so it will give our coaches a lot more space to train their teams which will help develop players," Mr Fuda said.
"The ability to hold finals and grand final matches with this amazing facility is also exciting for the club and the community."
Secretary of the Kellyville Supersonics Sports Club, Murugs Ramassamy said he was delighted that the club had new facilities to train and play on.
"Kellyville is a growing suburb with immense potential and interest for sports," Mr Ramassamy said.
"Our club is honoured to be associated with promoting cricket in this community and grateful this cricket venue is allocated to our club."
