The new state-of-the art netball courts at Joe O’Connor Park were officially opened on Thursday, December 1.
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Yass Valley Council staff, councillors and members and players from the Yass Netball Association (YNA) came together for the small, informal ceremony.
Councillor Michael McManus said he was proud to participate in the opening as his father, Bill McManus, was one of the drivers behind the establishment of the original netball courts in Yass.
“I’m delighted to participate in this opening today as my father, Bill was part of the project to get the courts established here over 40 years ago,” Cr McManus said in his speech.
“The original courts filled the space that is now the dog park and the skate park at the front of the pool...gravel courts, that were slippery, resulting in gravel knees or mud puddles in the winter.
“Council at the time, through the sports council led by Norm Keogh, made the decision to relocate to here. The hard work of the Netball Association resulted in the original courts.”
Norm’s wife, Peg Keogh, attended the proceedings and received the honour of cutting the ribbon with YNA executive member David Kemp.
Mr McManus said the upgrades have brought the facilities into the twentieth century and will allow local netball teams to compete at home, on a regional stage.
“More recently council has worked with the Yass Netball Association to get rid of the shipping container canteen. This marks the official opening of the newly installed state-of-the-art LED lights and the Laykold acrylic surface.
“These new enhancements continue to bring us a long way from the gravel and sand courts of last century and I hope will allow us to host large regional competitions.”
The Yass Valley Council completed the surface upgrades to four of the eight netball courts at Joe O’Connor park on Tuesday, November 22.
The surface is now acrylic and was ready in time for the Yass Netball Association’s summer slam season.
Cr McManus said Yass Valley Council and the Yass Netball Association will continue to work together to seek further funding to resurface the lower courts.