Caddens in now home to a new $5.5 million sport and recreation precinct that features a multi-use playing field, children’s playground and amenities building.
Located off Caddens Road, the 4.2 hectare Caddens Southern Sports Precinct was delivered by Legacy Property under a voluntary planning agreement with Penrith City Council.
Speaking at the grand opening, Legacy Property CEO Matthew Hyder said the completion of the new sporting hub is an example of the developer’s commitment to investment in regional and local infrastructure and amenity.
“Open spaces and recreation facilities like this are essential to promote the health and wellbeing of communities,” he said.
“Not only do they encourage an active lifestyle, they provide a place where residents in the surrounding communities like Caddens Hill, Caddens, Claremont Meadows and Orchard Hills can catch-up with friends and family and enjoy community events.”
The large multi-use playing field, which is unavailable for use until March next year, will cater for both day and night games thanks to new energy efficient LED lighting towers. Council will also install nets behind the goalposts to ensure safety of nearby homes and streets. It will also erect shade structures over the key sections of the precinct’s play areas.
“For now, the oval is fenced off while drainage works are finalised and to allow time for the turf to become fully established,” Hyder said.
“Once the turf is established in several months it will be available for community sports use.”
One local club signed up to play at the new facility is the St Clair Crows Junior AFL Club. President Kyle Smith said the club can’t wait to switch from their “outdated” facility at Cook Park in St Marys to their new home at Caddens.
“We’ve been talking with Council and Legacy Property for quite some time about getting a facility where we can help grow our club and engage with the community better,” he said.
“We are currently at Cook Park, it’s an outdated facility purpose-built for cricket. We’re excited to move somewhere that caters for AFL.”
Along with the multi-use playing field, the Sports Precinct also includes two cricket practice nets; a half basketball court; amenities building with canteen and changerooms; children’s playground and a 56-space car park.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.