The long-awaited Raymond Terrace Croquet Club is now a reality with the installation of two lawns in Boomerang Park.
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More than 30 people have already joined the club, which has become the second in Port Stephens next to Nelson Bay Croquet Club.
Port Stephens councillor Ken Jordan, who has supported the development of the croquet club and lawns, said it would “perfectly partner” with the seniors centre and Men’s Shed, which are also located in Boomerang Park.
“Croquet is a game that can be played by people as young as 10 but it is an ideal game for those in the senior age group,” Cr Jordan said.
“It one of the few games that can be played by people into their 80’s and, with the population in Port Stephens ageing, its popularity is growing.”
The council, which operate the new croquet lawns, saw an influx of members join the club during the Illuminate Boomerang Park festival on November 18.
Festival-goers also had the opportunity to test out the lawns.
Port Stephens Council approved a $20,000 mayoral grant toward the project in August 2016. It was in addition to $30,000 commitment made five years earlier.
Croquet’s establishment in Raymond Terrace comes nine years after then west ward Port Stephens councillor Josh Hodges moved a notice of motion requesting lawns be included as part of the seniors centre development.
It was one of his last acts as a councillor.
“It’s hugely satisfying to see what was an idea I had to provide a great, healthy activity for seniors come to life,” Mr Hodges said.
“During my time representing west ward I consulted with many local social groups and seniors’ organisations and identified the need for facilities to get more seniors actives.
“After visiting Nelson Bay Croquet Club and hearing of their success and the mental and physical benefits of croquet I knew that a lawn in Raymond Terrace would be a winner.”
Mr Hodges got a feel for the lawns with Cr Jordan on Friday, November 24.
Cr Jordan said former Port Stephens Mayor Bruce MacKenzie played a significant role in seeing the vision for croquet lawns be included in updated Boomerang Park masterplan.
“I took up the cause from ex-councillor Josh Hodges sometime around 2010 when we allocated $30,000 to a croquet court,” Mr MacKenzie previously told the Examiner.
“They’ve got a very active club at Nelson Bay and I think it will be very popular here.”
Anyone wishing to join Raymond Terrace Croquet Club can contact Port Stephens Council on 4988 0255 or email council@portstephens.nsw.gov.au.