Connell Park – Field Upgrade and Lighting Installation
Published on 02 September 2024
Get ready for more work as part of the Connell Park Precinct Development Project, following the awarding of a $1.3 million contract to Mid North Coast Contractors at the August Ordinary Meeting of Council.
The contract enables the start of construction works, which involves the demolition of the existing amenities building on Waterfall Way, park drainage upgrades, resurfacing of playing field, new cricket wickets, utility upgrades, and the installation of a 200-lux smart lighting system. These upgrades will make the facility safer, more inclusive, and better suited to the evolving needs of the Bellingen community.
To complete this work, Connell Park will be closed from late September 2024 for approximately nine months to allow sufficient time for the new playing surfaces to be established. Following extensive consultation with the Connell Park Community Advisory Group, it was decided to complete the project in a single phase. This approach minimises overall disruptions to local sporting groups and provides the best value for money by maximising the extent of field upgrades. The netball courts, playground and swim centre will remain open during this time.
Local sporting clubs are coordinating their sports activities to ensure the continuation of upcoming sports seasons by arranging alternative venues for the 2024/25 season. George White Chair of the Connell Park Bellingen Park 355 Committee said; "The Junior Rugby League and the Bellingen Football Club are working together to try and coordinate their seasons at Bellingen Park while Connell Park is closed, we want to make sure our young athletes don’t miss out on their sports season."
The playing surface enhancements are funded thanks to the NSW Government's Essential Community Sports Assets Program, while lighting upgrades have received funding through the Level the Playing Field Program.
Future works at Connell Park will include the construction of two new multi-sport facilities featuring unisex change rooms, canteens, and storage areas, with completion expected in late 2025 thanks to funding through the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund, Council is actively pursuing additional funding to fully realise the project's masterplan.
Of the plans for Connell Park, Peter Barron, president of Bellingen Football Club remarked; "We are all really excited to see this project come to fruition. The enhanced drainage and surface improvements will significantly reduce disruptions during the wetter months. With upgraded amenities including new toilets, changerooms, and storage areas, plus the addition of state-of-the-art lighting, our local sports experience will be elevated, making it the one of the best community sporting parks in the Coffs Coast region.”
Field upgrade works will commence in mid-September, with the park closure starting from late-September. Council thanks the Connell Park committee and the community for their commitment to this project and for arranging alternative sports options during this time.
For more information on the Connell Park Precinct Development project page on our website.