Hargrave Reserve - Proposed Cricket Pitch Removal
Consultation has concluded
Council decisions/outcomes
During the consultation period, a total of 130 feedback form responses were received regarding this proposal. Of these responses, 19% (25 people) indicated they were in support, 78% (101 people) were opposed and 3% (4 people) were neutral. The opportunity to provide feedback was promoted in The Advertiser, via social media posts, signs onsite at Hargrave Reserve a direct mailout to approximately 770 property owners/residents and businesses within the vicinity of Hargrave Reserve.
At its meeting on Tuesday 13 July 2021, Council considered the feedback received from the community and made the decision to keep the cricket pitch at Hargrave Reserve. Council also supported the use of Hargrave Reserve for organised regular athletic sport (as distinct from social play), subject to an approved hire agreement being entered into and when the reserve is not being used by Valley View Eagles Softball Club, and the following restricted hours of use when it is not to be hired:
- Before 10am or after 3pm on Sundays
- After 7pm Mondays to Fridays
- Before 9am or after 5pm on Saturdays
Signage will be installed at Hargrave Reserve promoting the modified use of Hargrave Reserve, Modbury Heights for organised regular athletic activity.
Read the community engagement outcome report
Council minutes - 13 July 2021
Background
Hargrave Reserve is located on Kingsford Smith Street and Hargrave Street, Modbury Heights. On 27 April 2021 Council resolved to undertake community engagement to better understand the views of the local community and Hargrave Reserve users regarding a proposal to remove the cricket pitch. The resolution was in response to complaints from some local residents regarding groups regularly using the cricket pitch and restricting use by other community members
Hargrave Reserve has a long history of dual sporting and community use. In 2017 Council consulted on a proposal for the Valley View Eagles Softball Club to use Hargrave Reserve as a ‘neighbourhood level’ sportsground under a seasonal hire arrangement. This included a number of changes to Hargrave Reserve as follows:
- Upgrade of irrigation and drainage to the oval area to improve the turf quality
- Installation of public toilets (including a storage area for the softball club)
- Removal of the concrete cricket pitch.
The outcomes of community engagement were presented to Council on 27 June 2017 which included some opposition to the removal of the cricket pitch. The Council report included a budget breakdown for the proposed upgrades which included retention of the cricket pitch and the addition of a barbeque area. Council resolved to fund and deliver upgrades to Hargrave Reserve amounting to $430,000 as part of 2017-2018 financial year budget (this included $20,000 for the renewal of the cricket pitch).
Proposed removal of the cricket pitch
Local residents have reported a significant increase in the use of the cricket pitch, particularly Saturday (all day), Sunday mornings, and several weeknights. This is despite Council staff not approving any regular hire of Hargrave Reserve for cricket matches or training. Signage has been placed at Hargrave Reserve several times notifying users that Council approval is required to use Hargrave Reserve for regular sport matches or training, however these signs disappear from the site over time. New signage has again been recently installed.
The cricket pitch has been upgraded in accordance with the endorsed Modbury Heights Precinct Plan and specific resolutions of Council, therefore we are engaging with the community before a decision is made to remove the cricket pitch. If the cricket pitch is removed Council will update the relevant Community Land Management Plan.
To get involved:
- Review the Information sheet which includes additional information about the use and history of Hargrave Reserve
- Register here (if you haven't already, otherwise you can sign in when prompted)
- Provide feedback by completing the online feedback form
- Have a question? Ask us here using the below Q&A form
Ask us a question about the Hargrave Reserve - Proposed Cricket Pitch Removal and we will get back to you.
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