Rolling out green carpet for local football clubs

Northern Beaches

Council has replaced a synthetic turf surface at Cromer Park for local football clubs and hopefully, it will attract A-League teams to play on the Northern Beaches.

Field 1 at Cromer Park has been upgraded with a new generation synthetic turf surface as the previous one (11 years old) had reached its lifespan.

Complete with natural cork infill replacing the old rubber, additional storage for six-a-side goals, and an additional pump to recycle water that drains from the field has also been installed.

Mayor Michael Regan said Cromer Park continues to be one of the Northern Beaches premier sporting facilities.

“We’ve created a first-class field for local football clubs and other sporting teams,” Mayor Regan said.

“These upgrades provide a premium field for our local football clubs and will hopefully attract A-League teams such as Sydney FC to play matches on the Beaches.

“Synthetic surfaces are more resilient to environmental factors and longer-lasting. Play or practice won’t need to be cancelled due to wet weather, returfing or weed control – that means more play time.”

The field is leased by the Manly Warringah Football Association, the largest football association in Australia, with over 20,000 members. It is also the home ground of Manly United men’s and women’s teams and plays host to the Sydney FC women’s A-League side.

A cork infill has been used instead of rubber to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve conditions for players on hot days.

In addition, Council has installed fine mesh drains and foot brushes at all entry gates which will collect debris meaning it won’t end up in our waterways.

/Public Release. View in full here.