On Saturday 2 December 2023 Gawler geared up for the first game at the newly completed baseball pitch at Karbeethan Reserve.
“It’s been a long journey for the Rangers to finally be promoted into the Baseball SA division one competition, and in our home opener this Saturday we will be playing the reigning premiers, West Torrens Eagles.” said President of Gawler Rangers Baseball Club, Shane Murray.
The Karbeethan Reserve redevelopment has been a busy hub of construction activity since July 2023 including:
- Upgrade of existing baseball diamond to a Baseball SA Division 1 specification, with installation of LED lighting, irrigation replacement, turf renewal, homerun and backstop fencing.
- Development of sporting infrastructure for Gawler & District Softball Association (currently the Association does not have any fixed infrastructure of its own) – softball diamond with LED lighting, irrigation replacement, turf renewal and backstop fencing.
- Improvements to the main soccer pitch through replacement of the existing ageing and inefficient pitch lighting (with improved LED lighting), irrigation replacement, fencing upgrade and turf renewal.
The Gawler Rangers’ baseball pitch is the first of three sporting associations to have their site finished. Other sites due for completion include the softball pitch, scheduled to be completed by mid-December 2023 and the soccer pitch in January, ready for the 2024 season. A combined opening event with all members of the Karbeethan Sporting Association is being planned for Saturday 3 February 2024 with more details to be released closer to the event.
The completion of the new baseball pitch is a key achievement towards implementing the Karbeethan Reserve Masterplan which seeks to optimise the use of the reserve, maximise participation, and future proof the facility as a regional sporting precinct. Karbeethan Reserve is home to the Gawler Eagles FC (soccer), Gawler & Districts Softball Association (Bluejays, Giants, Kangas, Trinity and Two Wells clubs) and Gawler Rangers Baseball Club.
“The masterplan for Karbeethan Reserve is a long-term, 10-year project, that is being brought to fruition in workable stages. With the recently announced purchase of two adjoining allotments to allow for future expansion of the reserve, this was made possible with a contribution from the State Government’s Open Space Grant Program financed through the Planning and Development Fund." said Acting CEO Andrew Goodsell.
This significant redevelopment includes lighting, fencing and irrigation upgrades to better support the playing of soccer, baseball and softball at the sporting precinct.
“This is a considered investment in an area of Gawler that’s experiencing significant urban growth. The upgrade will support that growth and our reputation for being a great place to live as well as providing tangible benefits in physical and mental health for the hundreds of local men, women and children from across Gawler and the wider region that comes from being part of a team and getting involved in community sport.” said Mayor Karen Redman.
Council secured $900,000 in grant funding for the project from the State Government’s Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program. Council is contributing an additional $2.6 million providing for a total project cost of $3.4 million.
