Establishing Improved Facilities for Croquet in Ballina -2024
Background
Ballina Croquet (BC) was established in 1936. It is an independent sporting club with a history of successful competitive and social play. For over 70 years it had courts and a clubhouse (from 1936) on the Cherry St. end of Hampton Park. As part of the 2005 Plan of Management (PoM) for Hampton Park, the Cherry St. Bowling Club (CSBC) was required to develop two courts and a club house on the north western area of Hampton Park replacing the current courts and former club house that had been encroached upon by CSBC. Contrary to the provisions of the PoM, CSBC was given the lease for the new courts and club house. In 2009 CSBC established Cherry Street Croquet Club, a sub-club of CSBC. Many BC members elected to remain independent. As a result, there are now two clubs using the Hampton Park courts. The courts are in use 6 days per week.
When the Hampton Park PoM was gazetted in 2005 there were less than 30 croquet players registered in Ballina. There are now over 140. The recommended ratio of players per lawn is 25 players. This means that the 2 lawns at Hampton Park have 6 times the number of players recommended.
The Sport of Croquet
Croquet is played on a flat court 28x35 yards in size. There are 3 codes: Association, Golf and Ricochet. Games can be played as singles or doubles. Courts are often “double banked” - two games proceed on the same court with minimal interference - meaning a court can accommodate as many as 8 people. Croquet can be played by people of all ages (the Australian World No. 1 is in his mid 20s) and abilities, including people with special needs. It is played all year round, with many people competing more than once/week. It is currently experiencing a boom. In Australia two thirds of players are older women. So croquet uniquely provides active participation in sport for older women who often have limited options for sporting involvement.
Croquet Development Ballina
Croquet Development Ballina is a working group established in 2017 by members of BC. It has invited other interested parties from the Northern Rivers Croquet Association and the Ballina community to participate. Its aim is to develop the sport of croquet by the expansion of croquet facilities on Ballina island. In doing so, it hopes to provide a new, independent home for Ballina Croquet.
Development of an independent and separate site for Ballina Croquet at Hampton Park Reserve or the establishment of two lawns and club house at another suitable site on Ballina Island will:
cater for increasing player numbers and allow opportunities for a wider demographic to become involved in the sport
enable ongoing hosting of Croquet NSW events in Ballina without competitors having to travel to other towns
align with NSW State Government policy in relation to inclusive sporting facilities that cater for women
be a positive step for the whole of the Ballina/Northern Rivers community from a social, sporting and commercial perspective
provide the opportunity for croquet as a school sport
A New Facility
BC will be responsible for operating and maintaining the infrastructure (club house, courts, ancillary buildings, landscaping and beautification) to a high standard (meeting ACA, CNSW, WHS standards) that will be accessible and available to the general public the majority of the time; ensure safety and enjoyment; facilitate improved management of community facilities; comply with regulatory obligations; enhance environmental assets by supporting the use of solar panels, water tanks, weed and pest control; be financially sustainable through the letting of premises and support the role of volunteers.
Ballina Croquet and members appreciate that they will have to make a significant financial and in-kind contribution which will include outfitting the clubhouse and courts, to achieve the result sought. We submit that the continuous health of croquet for over 86 years in Ballina demonstrates that our club has the tools, resources, knowhow and capacity to ensure the success of this vision.
Acquisition of a Sporting Site
The highest priority in our campaign for a new facility is getting a lease for a suitable site in Ballina. A land parcel needs to be identified, enabling budgets for the development of the facility. Without this, funding applications are not possible. Members of the working group have met with Ballina Shire Council staff, Councilors, consultants and State and Federal members of Parliament in ongoing efforts to reach our goal.
With your support and guidance, we look forward to achieving our vision of a home for Ballina Croquet and enhanced healthy lifestyle options for the Ballina Community.
Contact
Mary Hughes, Croquet Development Ballina Working Group, facilitator, M 0412 457 369, maryph4@bigpond.com or ballinacroquet@gmail.com