Dwight Reserve was established in the newly developed City of Elizabeth with the Eastern Park Football Club created to provide residents with a community football club as the northern suburbs experienced its first population boom in the 1960s. Since that time, it has grown substantially and introduced other sports into the club including cricket, netball, softball and darts. In 2025/26, there were over 700 players registered across all sporting codes at Dwight Reserve.
The upgrade will result in the complete transformation of the existing clubrooms into a brand new two-storey building that is compliant with the AFL Community Facility Guidelines, boasting more changerooms, a larger social room to cater for multiple user groups, enhanced spectator amenities, a carpark extension and a new and improved entrance into the reserve.
Shaped around the different needs of each user group, the design reflects the shared nature of the facility.
A main feature of the upper level will be a bar, commercial kitchen and function room, along with a balcony overlooking the oval. The balcony will be particularly valuable during games, while also increasing the facility’s appeal for external community hire.
In demonstration of Council’s commitment to providing high quality sporting facilities for the community, Council is funding over 90 per cent of the redevelopment project, with additional financial support from the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.
Once complete, the upgraded facility will provide a contemporary sporting and community hub designed to support Eastern Park clubs for years to come.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2027, with the new clubrooms replacing the existing ones built almost 65 years ago.
Quotes attributable to City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty
It is so exciting to see ground being broken on what will be a transformational redevelopment for Eastern Park, which has long been a strong sporting pillar of our city.
This is an exciting milestone for Dwight Reserve and the beginning of a new chapter, with a modern, spacious home designed to support the growing men’s, women’s and junior teams.
With football, netball, softball and darts all under one roof, the new facility has the space and functionality to meet the diverse needs of these user groups.
Council is proud to lead this project alongside Eastern Park, with support from our funding partners, to deliver an upgrade that will make a lasting difference for the community.
Quotes attributable to Eastern Park Football Club President, Damien Griffiths
We are extremely excited about the upcoming build and the improvements planned for Dwight Reserve. Over many years, I have worked closely with Council to highlight the challenges we face as a club in supporting our growing membership and wider community.
The new build and grounds improvements will allow us to deliver greater services and stronger programs for our members and community. Importantly, it will help us build a more inclusive environment, making it more comfortable and welcoming for our women’s programs.
Our strong and expanding Men’s, Women’s and Junior football programs, a thriving senior and junior netball program, the introduction of senior and junior softball, and our Men’s, Women’s and Junior cricket programs – along with Social Darts – have all reinforced the need for this upgrade.
The next twelve months will be challenging as we operate from other grounds, but we are ready for it. We know the reward at the end will be well worth the effort.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Rhiannon Pearce MP
I’m pleased the Government is contributing to this much needed redevelopment which will help grow football in the northern suburbs and provide opportunities for young people to get involved in our great game.
Physical activity has benefits well beyond fitness including supporting children’s wellbeing, social development and learning.
By providing fun and engaging alternatives to screen time, we are also helping them build friendships, develop confidence, improve their wellbeing.
Quotes attributable to SANFL Community Infrastructure Development Lead, Kristina Ross
SANFL is pleased to support the Dwight Reserve changeroom redevelopment through the SA Football Facilities Fund.
The project aligns strongly with our Infrastructure Plan by providing safe, accessible and inclusive facilities that support participation growth and strengthen community connections.
The new changerooms will create an improved environment for current and future generations of footballers while helping ensure facilities in northern Adelaide meet the needs of a diverse and growing community.
