MORE than 240 people have weighed in on a long-term plan for Bunbury’s premiere sporting precinct which has prioritised a range of upgrades and possible new infrastructure.
The blueprint caters for the future use and development of Hay Park, mapped out in a master plan endorsed by City of Bunbury council on Tuesday night.
The Hay Park Master Plan was undertaken to review the existing facilities and infrastructure with the view to prioritise which development work is required to bring facilities up to a standard that can cater for the high use of the precinct.
The project would be to bring at least one of three facilities - Len Nisbett Pavilion, Kit Keddie Pavilion or Ned Myles Pavilion - up to a suitable standard in 2015/16.
These facilities are in the vicinity of 50 years old, are in poor condition and do not meet current access requirements or the requirements of any users.
The plan has a long-term focus and outlines key projects required over the next 10 years such as the upgrade of existing facilities, including toilets and change rooms, lighting, parking and the possible construction of new infrastructure.
A key component of the plan was extensive community consultation, with more than 240 people responding to a survey and City of Bunbury officers holding discussions with local clubs and associations.
External funding will be a key component of any project and the City will work with user groups to provide the best outcomes under the plan.
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said it was important to uphold a high standard at Hay Park to sustain or attract sporting fixtures, events and user groups.
“This plan will give the Bunbury community a clear outline of how the City of Bunbury plans to address the community’s needs and requirements for Hay Park in a progressive, logical and timely manner,” Mr Brennan said.
“Consultation has been an important part of this process to ensure the priorities for the future are mapped according to community and user group expectations.
“I thank all of those who took the time to provide their feedback and City officers for their hard work in producing such a comprehensive plan for Hay Park’s future.”
