Published on Monday, 16 March 2020 at 9:01:33 AM
Albany hockey players are settling onto their new turf thanks to a jointly-funded project led by the City of Albany to provide the sport with a new multi-purpose synthetic field.
The City of Albany, Sport Australia and Lower Great Southern Hockey Association have all contributed to the more than $500,000 project to replace the worn playing field.
The 15-year-old field was suffering from significant wear and tear and an inability for the ground to recover quickly from wet weather conditions, placing added risk on players.
This August the new turf will play host to the inter-regional Australian Country Hockey Championships where men and women from around the country will come together to take part in this national competition.
City of Albany Recreation Services Manager Samantha Stevens said the new turf has generated a sense of excitement within Albany’s hockey players.
“Junior players can’t wait to get out on the new field and senior players who had retired are looking at making a return, giving the turf a run and engaging with a sport they love once again,” she said.
“The turf upgrade is another fantastic addition to the state-of-the-art sporting facilities within Centennial Park Sporting Precinct, which not only brings the Great Southern together but now can host events of national significance.”
Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the City is looking forward to welcoming the 2020 Australian Hockey Championships to Albany.
“The Federal funding that has allowed the turf to be upgraded will provide a high level facility for hockey in our region that will continue to support player development and help them reach the highest levels in the sport,” he said.
This project was made possible with support from the City of Albany and Sport Australia with contribution from the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association.
The new hockey turf will be officially opened by Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson and Mayor Wellington on Sunday, March 15, with junior coaching clinics, umpiring training and an exhibition match also scheduled.
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