Construction of a shade structure for netball courts at Heffron Park in Sydney’s east is now under way.

The structure is planned to cover six netball courts and eventually also include tiered seating for players and spectators.

Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch said the new structure is an important addition to Heffron Park, the LGA’s largest recreational park that hosts training and competitions for several sports including netball, cricket, touch football, cycling, rugby union, rugby league, soccer and Oztag.

“The works are part of Randwick Council’s continued efforts to provide and maintain high quality public spaces,” Mayor Veitch said.

“Netball is Randwick City’s biggest sport in terms of number of participants, and we get thousands of people attending games every weekend between April and September.

“The new structure means that players – and all the mums and dads and grandparents who come down to Heffron Park every week to support them – will be able to enjoy games, rain or shine.”

Jenny Morrissey, President of Randwick Netball Association, which is based in Heffron Park, said: “We are so excited about the new facility. It will not only provide shade and shelter for our members during our winter competition, but it will also allow our representative teams to train all year around. Our representative teams are all placed in the top four for NSW, and now our girls will be able to train every week for the State Title regardless of the weather.

“We are extremely grateful that Randwick Council has provided a first-class facility for everyone to enjoy.”

Mayor Veitch said Council is also looking at using the new undercover area for community events outside of sports. “The new facility has the potential to better serve our entire community,” she said.

The works will be completed in stages with funding currently allocated for stage one, which includes the construction of:

• A shade structure over three netball courts;
• Lighting to the new shade structure;
• Footpath and drainage on one side of all six courts.

The first stage of construction is set to be completed by October 2024.