THE new $4.8 million Freeling Agriculture, Recreation and Multi-use (FARM) centre has already proven its worth, with plenty of groups using the facility since it opened earlier this year.
The centre, which has been utilised by plenty of local sporting clubs, including Freeling football, netball, tennis and basketball clubs and Kapunda Netball Club, among others, will have its official opening on October 20.
Despite eight Barossa, Light & Gawler Netball Association clubs refusing to use the facility for this year’s grand final matches, FARM Centre manager Ross Sharer said it’ll still be well utilised on the big day.
“We’ve got a few different things going on,” he said.
“We have a footy activity on one court, which’ll work in hourlong rotations.
“On another court will be general play so kids can come and go as they like, and there’ll be a kinder-gym program too.
“Outside we’ll have about 15-20 market stalls in the undercover area as people walk through the gate.
“It should be a good day, we can’t wait, and it’ll be a few thousand people through the door.”
Light Regional Council strategic projects manager Simon Sherriff said he was delighted with the progress the FARM Centre has made.
“Light Regional Council is so proud to have partnered with the amazing Freeling community to bring the FARM Centre into being, supported by a grant from the Federal Government’s Building
Better Regions Fund,” he said.
“We can’t wait to officially open the facility with a Community Open Day on October 20.”
The Community Open Day will coincide the official launch of the FARM Centre, by Member for Barker Tony Pasin, and will include fun family activities, a display of large farm machinery, and have a 24/7 gym come and try session.
Furthermore, the indoor facility has been a game changer to its various user groups, including the Freeling Tennis Club.
“Having the FARM Centre open has facilitated the introduction of indoor tennis over the winter period,” Freeling Tennis Club president Dee Heinjus said.
“We have five senior teams playing ‘Fast 4’ tennis on a Monday evening – two from Freeling and three from other areas – drawing people from the Barossa and Kapunda.
“We also have Hotshots modified tennis coaching for kids this school term with 13 participants… and the majority have not played tennis before.
“The FARM Centre has certainly benefitted the Freeling Tennis Club…we are now able to deliver programs at a time of year that is traditionally quiet for tennis.”
Light Amateur Basketball Association president Sam Mitchell said she’s excited to see the competition use the games for the first time this summer.
“The FARM Centre is the first air-conditioned playing facility within the association,” she said.
“The Freeling Fliers Basketball Club will be hosting the LABA grand final this season in the FARM Centre.
“With our finals series being played often in summer, it can be difficult to predict weather conditions and the FARM Centre gives us flexibility to reschedule heat-affected games.”