Morley: Clubs and community urged to have their say on future of Pat O’Hara Reserve precinct

SPORTING clubs, stakeholders and residents can have a say on the future of the ageing facilities at Pat O’Hara Reserve and Morley Sport and Recreation Centre.

In 2017, the City of Bayswater appointed Tredwell Management to do a needs assessment report in consultation with Perth-Bayswater Rugby Union Club, East Perth District Basketball Association, Morley Scouts, Morley Child Health Centre, Olive Tree House, Rugby WA and Basketball WA.

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries contributed $75,000 to the report.

The report made several recommendations, including a master plan to consider the current uses of the reserve and future use and design of nearby buildings.

Recommendations include a new community hub or multi-purpose changerooms, two indoor courts south of the centre, removal of cricket nets, the relocation of rugby fields to the east, upgrades to infrastructure, the removal of some existing buildings and more parking lots.

Other recommendations are moving the child health centre to the Wellington Road frontage and potential re-provision of the Scout Hall within a shared community space.

The City and SGL Consulting Group are holding two drop-in sessions – at Perth-Bayswater’s clubrooms on August 22 from 5.30-7.30pm and another at Olive Tree House on August 25 from 10am to noon.

A survey is also available on the Engage Bayswater website.

Morley Scout Group leader Barbara Hunt said she was happy with the council’s support over the years, but would like to keep the hall rather than relocating to a community hall.

East Perth executive member Mario Macri said redevelopment of the reserve and centre was needed to attract more children to basketball.

“At the moment there are three courts at Morley rec centre and the access we do get through The Rise in Maylands,” he said.

“Our view is that we would still need extra, even with another two or three courts – it is not going to meet the current demand.”

Mayor Dan Bull encouraged people to the drop-in sessions to help the City develop a master plan.

“We’re keen to hear from the community on how we can make sure these facilities suit their needs,” he said.