The Bundarra community now has another place to get together, with multi-purpose courts officially opened.
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With a long history behind the location, the design and building process for the old tennis courts has come to fruition, with Uralla Shire mayor Michael Pearce and MP Adam Marshall cutting the ribbon last week.
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The new courts include basketball and netball hoops, tennis court and handball markings, and a gym and table tennis area. Something of a 'town green', the space also has new barbeque facilities, a shade shelter, and seating.
Mayor Michael Pearce said located in the heart of town, the multipurpose courts repurposed the old disused tennis courts into a "centralised facility that the whole community can enjoy."
The tennis courts had been left abandoned and unloved for years, because the courts were in the ownership of the Church of England, meaning the community's hopes of revamping the courts into a real gathering place were left unfulfilled.
But then Uralla council purchased the courts, which lead the way for a successful funding application from the state government, which was granted in August last year.
"The benefit of such a facility for outdoor recreation, sport, exercise and social gatherings for people of all ages will improve their quality of life and result in a healthier, happier community," Cr Pearce explained.
"The community identified a need for more activities in town for teenagers and younger children, but council wanted to create a space that the whole community could with a beautiful outlook over the Gwydir River."
Council workshops were held to engage students at the Bundarra Central School, as well as with the broader community through a consultation phase, with their input shaping the masterplan to the final product seen now.
"This end result is the outcome of a lot of valuable community input, Council's strategic decision to purchase the old tennis courts a few years ago, and a generous grant from the State Government," Cr Pearce continued.
Mr Marshall said since the drought, Bundarra was in desperate need of a youth space and the smiles on local children was evidence of a job well done.
"Since the drought, Bundarra has undergone a period of social and economic renewal, both on the land and in town," Mr Marshall said.
"I'm blown away with what has been delivered."
The new courts include basketball and netball hoops, tennis court and handball markings, and a gym and table tennis area. Something of a 'town green', the space also has new barbeque facilities, a shade shelter, and seating.
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