Proposition to transform Raymond Terrace croquet court into basketball and multi-use complex

In the first meeting for the new council held on Tuesday, February 8, west ward councillor Peter Kafer moved a motion calling for two basketball hoops and posts costing $6000 to replace the Raymond Terrace croquet court.

There is an adjoining clubhouse with kitchen and storeroom facilities.

Also at the meeting, councillors approved a Giacomo Arnott motion that the general manager prepare a report on the barbecue facilities in Boomerang Park.

The cost, according to a report from council staff, of providing a double plate, accessible public barbecue facility, shelter and footpath works is estimated at $35,000.

Cr Kafer said that he had never been in favour of the croquet court built in Boomerang Park by the council more than four years ago at a cost of around $400,000.

"The structure has sat virtually unused since its construction," Cr Kafer said.

"Adaptive reuse in the form of a basketball court is one use which will be used by many younger people in our community. They will come from outlining areas including Karuah.

"I'm proposing that we kick off with basketball hoops and posts, but in the longer term transform form the area into a shared use to include, but not limited to, a walking soccer field, badminton, volleyball, cricket or even film nights."

Currently the adjacent Raymond Terrace Men's Shed is the main user of the facility for a variety of fitness and sporting activities.

"The courts are constructed on an engineered foundation and the surface would be suitable for social play and ball games," a council report stated.

"A basketball post could be positioned to limit potential impact on existing users. Nearest public accessible basketball facilities are located at Lakeside Reserve No. 2, which are 3.5km away."

Cr Kafer said he would also like to have the courts made wheelchair friendly for people with a disability. He said there was a disability accessible toilet block less than 150m from the complex.

The $6,000 cost for the basketball courts could be met from local business organisations.

"I will be approaching some of the bigger corporations in town and we will be looking for some community fundraising and contributions."

Cr Kafer's notice of motion calling upon the general manager to prepare a report into installing a basketball backboard and rings on the croquet facility was unanimously supported by councillors.

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