EOI for Croom Hockey Centre Turf Renewal Commmittee
As many players would be aware, there is a fast approaching need for renewal of the synthetic turf for both fields at the Croom Hockey Centre (CHC), Albion Park. The Croom Hockey Centre Management Committee has been proactive in reviewing the current condition and likely timing and cost of both surfaces and has recently undertaken a Field Condition Assessment Report prepared by Polytan-STI which was received in July 2015.
In summary, this report shows that the East (top water based hybrid) turf is in greatest need of renewal with regards wear. The recommendation being that it is replaced by the end of 2016. For the West (bottom sand based) turf, replacement/renewal is required within the next 5 years.
The CHC Management Committee realises that this does not align with the player sentiment to replace the sand based field first and understands the resistance to its wider usage within the local hockey community and the concerns it has created for merging of Illawarra South Coast Hockey women's competitions.
The current monies available to assist with any renewal of the surfaces is $175,000. With the expected total cost for both turfs to be near $900,000 there is a significant shortfall to overcome. Hence, for any serious progress to be made on either or both turfs being renewed in the desired timeframes, this will require significant efforts to raise/obtain additional funding through grants (Federal, State, Local Govt), donations (possible use of the Australian Sports Foundation tax deductible model), philanthropy, loans or other sources.
While the current CHC Management Committee has made a start on this work it is believed that a greater chance of success will come from creating a dedicated Turf Renewal Committee with a goal of CHC Turf Renewals by end 2017.
Be aware that much informal work has already been done with local Council and State Govt. members in highlighting this upcoming need for assistance with turf renewals. However, to translate this into actual funding assistance will require significantly more work.
The expectation for the new committee would consist of one or maybe two current members of the CHC Management Committee with up to six (6) members in total. Further support would also be available from members with experience in hockey facility renewal and management.
Hence, the CHC Management Committee requests Expressions of Interest from entusiastic, passionate members of our hockey community who wish to progress the funding and planning for the renewal of both turf fields at the Croom Hockey Centre. Previous experience with fundraising, including obtaining of grants and/or project management experience would be highly desirable though not mandatory. If you have questions you would like answered before considering your application, please contact Garry Bull M: 0419 208896 or garrydbull@gmail.com.
The full Polytan-STI Condition Report will be sent through to prospective applicants on request.
Please send applications to croomadmin@ihockey.com.au by Fri 8 April 2016
on behalf of
Croom Hockey Centre Management Committee