Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, has today announced the delivery of election commitments that will see John Crehan Park in Cringila and JJ Kelly Park in Wollongong share in $300,000 in funding for important upgrades.

The funds have been delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $37.2 million Local Small Commitments Allocation Program.

John Crehan Park, home to the Cringila Lions Football Club, is a multi-use stadium which can hold approximately 8000 spectators. This funding injection will see the existing lighting at the field replaced and the old lights relocated to a second ground, immediately doubling the night-time capacity of the facility, allowing them to cater for additional training and competition games.

Wollongong City Council will also receive $200,000 in funding to contribute to the upgrade of field drainage at JJ Kelly Park. The project will improve the playing surface quality and resilience during extended periods of wet weather.

Drainage improvements at JJ Kelly Park were identified as a priority by Wollongong Council and will help support playing and recreational space for the growing population of Wollongong CBD.

Quotes attributable to Paul Scully MP, Member for Wollongong:

“I committed to providing $300,000 in funding for facility upgrades at John Crehan Park and JJ Kelly Park at the election and I am pleased to confirm that funding has been delivered.

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Cringila Lions Football Club and it's supporters.

“Crini fans are die-hard supporters and now they will be able to cheer their club on under new and improved LED lighting during night matches.

“Football South Coast has worked with local clubs to develop an infrastructure priorities list and this helps fund one of the priority projects.

“The last few years of wet weather has shown the importance of good drainage in helping our sporting fields recover from wet weather events and allow plays to return to the field sooner.

“JJ Kelly Park is one of Wollongong’s premier sporting grounds. Improving drainage at this sporting facility will mean surface water will disappear sooner and players will be able to get back on the field faster.

“When matches are not being hosted at the park it also provides important greenspace and recreational space for the growing population of Wollongong CBD.

“This funding commitment will allow Wollongong City Council to begin work on upgrading the drainage at JJ Kelly Park so it can be used as an all-weather park well into the future.”