22 September 2010

Picket Fence Restores Graceville Cricket Heritage

The traditional white picket fence, synonymous with cricket around the world, is now under construction at Graceville Memorial Oval, as part of West's Cricket plans to upgrade sporting and community facilities.

Councillor for Tennyson Ward, Nicole Johnston, congratulated Western Suburbs Districts Cricket Club for their investment in the amenity and heritage of the popular sporting and recreational oval in the lead up to the Club's 90th anniversary.

"As well as restoring pride and heritage in one of Australia's oldest memorial ovals, the fence will perform an important safety function keeping balls and kids away from busy Oxley Road," Councillor Johnston said.

"All the usual access rights are still in place with sporting clubs, Graceville State School students and local residents all welcome to use the Oval as normal."

"I am delighted to be able to support West's Cricket Club who provide wonderful opportunities for young people to hone their sporting abilities, build teamwork skills and camaraderie as well as participate in community life."

The fence is partially removable and allows all sporting codes including cricket, rugby and hockey to use the playing fields depending on the season.

Over the past year consultation was undertaken with Oval's lessees, Graceville State School, Brisbane City Council's heritage, leasing and park units as well as the State Government.

The total cost of the project is $75,000 with West's receiving a $25,000 grant from the Tennyson Ward Parks Trust Fund.

A white picket fence was first built at Graceville Memorial Oval in the 1930s and was removed in the 1960s.

Next year West's will celebrate their 90th anniversary following the Club's establishment in 1921.

For further information please call Nicole Johnston 3403 8605