Construction of new cricket nets is well underway at John Connell Reserve in Leeming as the 2024/25 cricket season gets underway.
The new nets will feature end-to-end netting on the roof for enhanced safety, complying with updated Australian standards for cricket nets, and will permanently replace the decades-old nets in the far eastern corner of the ground.
Recently, the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club was joined by local officials, including Local Member for Riverton Dr Jags Krishnan, Member for Jandakot Yaz Mubarakai, and Labor Candidate for Jandakot Stephen Pratt MLC, to view the progress of the construction of new cricket nets.
Dr Jags said he was glad to see the new cricket nets finally taking shape and hopes they will inspire the next wave of local cricketers.
“The existing nets had become extremely dilapidated after many years of use, and I am sure these new nets will add fantastic value for the next generation of cricketers in our local area,” he said.
“It is fantastic to see the redeveloped John Connell Reserve coming to fruition, and the new cricket nets are a huge part of the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club’s endeavours to revitalise this well-used location in our community.”
The project, funded by the State Government through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund at a cost of $48,718, began following the City of Melville’s approval.
Stephen Pratt MLC believes this project will have a positive impact on the community.
“The Leeming Spartan Cricket Club have a proud history of over 100 years, and it is heartwarming to see the Club giving back to the community by using their funds to upgrade a community asset that is well-used by not only the Club but many families in the Leeming area,” he said.
“These new state-of-the-art cricket nets will make a huge difference to the many members of our community who play or want to take up cricket – particularly ahead of a massive summer.”
The new nets are being installed following a $625,000 redevelopment of John Connell Reserve funded by the State Government.
Once completed, the nets will be available for both club and public use, with work expected to be finished by the end of the month and open for use before Christmas this year.
