New sporting facilities have opened on School Road in one of Ipswich’s fastest growing suburbs – Redbank Plains.
Residents will now be able to kick a footy or soccer ball around, go for a hit of tennis or even take the wickets down for a hit of cricket at the new sports ground.
Fernbrooke Sports Field has two football fields, which can be used for all codes including soccer, rugby league, rugby union, touch football.
The fields are side by side with a cricket pitch down the centre.
There is also a tennis court, toilet block and carpark.
Fernbrooke Sports Field
2 x football fields
1 cricket oval
1 tennis court
Over 60 car parks
A toilet block
The tennis court is named the Rob and Pam Lawley Tennis Court in honour of two locals who worked with council on the need for more community sport and recreation facilities in the area.
“We’ve been here since 1974 and I’ve always been interested in the community,” Mr Lawley said.
Mr Lawley has been active in various community organisations over the years such as the SES and currently the Men’s Shed.
“With the little yards everyone has now, there has got to be good outdoor areas for parents to bring the children,” Mr Lawley said.
Mr Lawley’s family was in the forefront of his mind as the new sign on the tennis court was unveiled.
“Our youngest son, Matthew, has always played social tennis in Ipswich and he has a four year old son now, so I’m really looking forward to playing with my son and my grandson,” he said.
Mrs Lawley is excited by the possibility that the next world champ could be one of the local children.
“We might have the next Ash Barty coming along, you’ve got to start somewhere and you’ve got to have somewhere to practice,” she said.
Council encourages residents to head on down to the new sporting space and use the facilities.
There is no formal booking for the tennis court and residents are free to kick a ball around on the sporting fields, if there is no permitted games underway.
If team are wanting to make a regular arrangement, you can apply for a permit at council park search.
There are currently no lights on the fields or tennis courts, so daylight hours only at this stage.
