Bellingen Shire Council has extended the lighting hours for the newly upgraded multi-purpose hardcourts until 10pm, allowing for evening games and community activities.

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Previously, the lights were available until 9pm. However with the school holidays in play, more community members are up for using the facility in the cool of late evening.

The lighting is available in 30-minute blocks by pressing a switch at the courts that was installed as part of the precinct’s transformation.

The completion of Stage 1 of the Connell Park Precinct Project in May 2024 saw the transformation of grass netball courts into state-of-the-art hardcourts, complete with the competition-grade lighting.

The extended lighting hours reinforce Council’s efforts to promote safe and inclusive recreational opportunities for the community.

“This decision reflects Council’s focus on creating inclusive, accessible, and safe spaces for recreation, and we’re proud to support our local sporting groups and families in this way,” said Mayor Steve Allan.

Looking ahead to 2025 there are two more stages to be completed.

Stage 2 sees field drainage, surface improvements, and lighting installation completed by June 2025.

The fields at Connell Park are currently closed for these works.

Stage 3 focuses on new amenity buildings, which are scheduled to start in early 2025 and finish late in the year.

By Andrea FERRARI