Wanton vandalism at Patrick Croke Oval

Patrick Croke Oval in Kincumber has been vandalised, with a motorist recklessly driving onto the public oval and intentionally causing damage to the site.

It is the latest in a string of vandalism acts at local playing fields across the region, with Central Coast Council staff noting the issue is getting worse with an increasing number of people using electric bikes and scooters in these areas.

Councillor Jared Wright said he was notified of the incident by the Avoca Beach Football Club late on Tuesday evening, May 13, and immediately asked Council staff to carry out remediation works, given the high number of people who use the oval.

“I want to thank Council staff, including Director Melanie Smith, for acting so quickly to help address this issue,” Wright said.

“The time from reporting the issue to remediation works being undertaken was less than 24 hours.

“Following the incident, Council filled in the damage across the field with 90/10 sand blend and will now need to continually fill the damage while the grass recovers, which may take until the next growing season.

“This is an appalling act and deeply disappointing for the hundreds, if not thousands, of local residents who use Patrick Croke Oval each week for football training, dog training lessons and general exercise.”

Avoca Beach Football Club committee member Justine Martin said there had been a significant amount of work carried out in the off season to have the playing fields at the oval in top condition for players; work that had now been undone by the act of vandalism.

“This is really disappointing both for the club and our community,” she said.

“We have over 700 registered players, many of whom are scheduled to train here multiple times per week, adding uncertainty for parents and players.

“The club will now work closely with Council and Central Coast Football on alternative solutions.”

Central Coast Councillor and Chair of the Infrastructure and Assets Committee, Rachel Stanton, said these increasing acts of vandalism added strain to staffing resources and costs.

“When vandalism like this occurs, it takes time away from Council staff on other projects, it costs ratepayers money and it impacts on public amenity of local infrastructure which means families are unable to use the playing fields,” she said.

“Council has had to carry out similar work at other local sporting facilities already this year and local families should not have to be continually footing the bill for vandalism.”

Anyone with further information is urged to contact NSW Police.