An extra playing field and a higher quality playing surface will be delivered at the popular St Matthews Farm Reserve sportsfields in Cromer thanks to an upgrade by Northern Beaches Council.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the rectification works currently underway are a result of Council’s continued commitment to make the most of our existing land and address the growing sporting needs of the local community under the Northern Beaches Sportsground Strategy.

“St Matthews Farm Reserve is highly valued by the local community as open space as well as for the recreational and sporting opportunities it provides, whether you are shooting some hoops, playing cricket or having a go at our new street style skate park.”

“Works will be completed by April, weather permitting, in time for the start of the winter sports season,” he said.

The sports fields are being cleverly reconfigured to provide an extra playing field using the existing available land. The works will include the levelling of the playing surface, laying of new turf and installation of irrigation.

“A huge congratulations to Council’s Parks & Recreation team who’s ingenuity has provided an extra playing field for the community to help us solve our chronic sportsfield shortage.” Mayor Regan said.

St Matthews Farm Reserve presently includes a skate park basketball half-court, a cricket field and nets, rugby league and football fields plus amenities.

During the upgrade, the skate park, cricket and baseball nets will remain open (accessible from the northern edge of the reserve).

St Matthews Farm Reserve is one of 13 separate reserves that join to form a continuous open space network known as the Dee Why Valley and South Creek Open Space Corridor.