Federal Member for Robertson Gordon Reid has joined community members and sports organisations to launch a petition calling on local, state, and federal governments to band together to upgrade Saratoga Oval.
The much-loved community recreation space sits on the Saratoga waterfront and has been used by several sporting clubs in the past, including the Saratoga Hawks and Kincumber-Avoca Cricket Club.
Due to inadequate drainage the oval becomes unsuitable to use during much of the year and after periods of wet weather.
Reid said Saratoga Oval presented an opportunity for all levels of government to work together on an outstanding community project.
“Saratoga Oval is located in a truly breathtaking location, although it is seriously underutilised because of inadequate infrastructure,” he said.
“I have met with sports and community groups, and we have decided the best way forward is to establish a community petition, calling on local support to get an upgrade for the oval.
“The oval requires drainage works, upgrades to sports facilities, improved access and a play space.
“This petition is calling on all levels of government to take this project seriously and consider funding (it).”
Reid said the Central Coast deserved outstanding community spaces and infrastructure, and Saratoga Oval was no exception.
“I want to see this project come to life and I will continue advocating on behalf of my community,” he said.
President of 3 Villages Community Group Taia Sansom said she had spoken about the project with government leaders and the administrator, directors and managers of Central Coast Council for the past four years with no result to date.
“There are inadequate sports areas in Davistown and Saratoga for the youth,” she said.
“We do have valuable sporting assets which are extremely under-utilised or not used at all because they are in flood most of the year.
“Please support the upgrade by signing the petition to help renew a significant sporting oval.”
Kincumber-Avoca Cricket Club President Ben Campbell said club members were excited by Reid supporting an upgrade.
“We have used this ground for many seasons but have been unable to recently because of its current condition,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing cricket and other community events being held there again in the future.”
Saratoga Hawks President Suzanne Petrie said although the club had grown dramatically over the past five years, only the younger teams can currently play games at Saratoga.
“It is hard to run home games at two different grounds for different age groups, so we generally don’t play games at Saratoga anymore,” she said.
“We have had to share other home grounds with other clubs, which brings its own challenges.
“This has meant that many children have left the sport or didn’t even try it despite being interested because logistically it’s just too difficult for families.
“If Saratoga Oval was upgraded, our club would have a proper home again.
“Children of all ages could play the sport they love within their own community, and community members could watch and support their local team at their local oval.
“This would enhance our sense of belonging within the community, something missing currently.
“Sadly, people currently refer to us as the Homeless Hawks.
“We want to be back home at Saratoga Oval – the mighty Saratoga Hawks.”
To sign the petition, go to https://www.drgordonreidmp.com.au/our-coast-community/upgrade-saratoga-oval-petition/
For a paper-based petition, email Gordon.Reid.MP@aph.gov.au or call 4322 2400.
Source:
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid