Playford councillor Shirley Halls, Elizabeth Football Club’s Carey Williams, Playford councillor Akram Arifi, Craigmore Cricket Club’s Scott Dawson, Playford councillor Marylin Baker, Elizabeth Downs Soccer Club’s Ben Aldridge, and Playford councillor Misty Norris. PHOTO: Supplied
A COMMUNITY engagement session on June 24 to seek input from club representatives about the Argana Park master plan at Elizabeth Downs has been organised by Playford Council.
Argana Park is one of the most active sporting facilities in the northern region, used by four sporting clubs including Elizabeth Downs Soccer Club, Elizabeth Football Club, Craigmore Cricket Club and Elizabeth Netball Association.
This the first in a series of engagements on the development of a master plan.
The broader community and club members will be invited to provide feedback on the draft plan once it is developed.
Playford councillor Akram Arifi said people were pleased to see action.
“Locals are pleased to see action being taken to resolve a number of issues at Argana Park and the first part of the consultation is to hear directly from the club representatives about their needs,” he said.
“Community engagement is important, and it’s a great opportunity for clubs to express their concerns and views to help build the master plan.”
A report by council in July 2020 highlighted carparking was not meeting demands at peak use times and clubs have reported near misses at the congested carpark.
“Locals have advised me that a number of accidents have occurred at the northern end of the park and a child was hit by a reversing vehicle in the narrow carpark around the main oval,” Cr Arifi said.
“With growing female participation in netball and soccer, clubs are desperate for proper change-room facilities and toilets.
“Club members have told me that they have been waiting for this upgrade for years, and to see action taken by council is a positive sign.”
Fellow councillor Misty Norris has played at the venue for years and said parking had always been a worry.
“I have been a netball player at Argana Park for over 30 years,” she said.
“We have seen such growth over the years, and parking has always been a point of concern.
“I have personally had to walk long distances to get to my vehicle. We also often see vehicles parked on the reserves – simply due to a lack of other options.”
“We need to improve parking and facilities and must invest in the future of Argana Park as one of Playford’s major sporting hubs.”
