City of Holdfast Bay Council has officially reopened Somerton Park Tennis Club following a million dollar upgrade.
The $990,994 project was delivered over two stages and included renewed surfacing, fencing and lighting for the club’s playing area. The upgrades will bring Somerton Park in line with Tennis Australia’s standard, allowing club-level competitions to be played with a new level of precision.
With the installation of a Disability Discrimination Act-compliant access gate and new fencing, the courts will now also be in line with community expectations for improved disability access, said Deputy Mayor, Susan Lonie.
“This project has been three years in the making with strong advocacy from the Somerton Park Tennis Club and we are so pleased to have now delivered the upgraded courts and sports lighting,” said Cr Lonie.
“As a council, we’re committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents and increasing community wellbeing by investing in recreation and sporting amenities.
“We also work with local sports clubs to increase participation and support continued growth and sustainability.”
The upgrades will support the club’s 160 members partake in both social and competitive matches, and will also ensure that the broader community can enjoy a hit.
The upgrade was supported by $140,000 from the Australian Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, $38,500 from the South Australian Government, over $773,000 from the City of Holdfast Bay and $38,500 from the Somerton Park Tennis Club.
“It’s fantastic to see work complete on the upgrades at Somerton Park Tennis Club, because I know how important having modern, fit-for-purpose facilities is to ensuring the success of local sporting activities,” said Federal Minister for Local Government, Kristy McBain.
“Sport is the centre of so many communities, which is why we have partnered with the City of Holdfast Bay to get this local priority project off the ground – one of many projects supported as part of over $3.1 million in LRCI funding from the Australian Government,” she said.
“Community clubs bring people together, provide a sense of belonging, help people know they are not alone and fundamentally improve people’s lives,” said South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Katrine Hildyard.
“I am so proud of our Government’s investment into this inclusive facility and our collaboration with a club that is sending a message that regardless of your gender, background or ability, you are welcome at the Somerton Park Tennis Club.”
Construction began in May 2024 and was completed in September.
