Gibson Park drainage: Before and after photos
Brad Walter
For those who have endured years of frustration and anxiety whenever it rained about cancelled games and training at Gibson Park these photos may seem hard to believe.
The top photo and several others were taken today, Saturday March 4, after more than 120mm of rain. The other photos are from last year, after similar heavy rain.
The difference is stunning and will be a game changer for Thirroul JFC this seasons and in the years ahead.
The ground is closed for the weekend, along with all Wollongong City Council grounds, but during the season Thirroul teams will be able to play when they previously couldn't and training wouldn't be constantly disrupted every time it rains.
We also expect the playing surface to be better for longer as it won't be effected by grass die off from flooding or teams being forced to train on degraded areas.
To help preserve the surface, teams will be discouraged from training on ground 1 as much as possible as other areas should be in good condition.
A big thank you to everyone who helped make this possible by supporting the club's fundraising through the annual Race Nights or by buying Junior Team Photos and playing senior Summer 7s on Sunday afternoons while the grounds were out of action due to the drainage works.
Thirroul JFC would particularly like to thank the Member for Keira, Ryan Park MP, for $35,000 funding from the State Government 2015 Community Building Program and Wollongong City Council for a $30,000 grant to enable the club to do both grounds.
It is estimated that the drainage improvements also cost Thirroul JFC a similar amount through the club's contribution to the costs and lost revenue from Summer 7s this year so please continue to support our fundraising events and through the sponsorship packages on the thirroulfootball.com.au website.
Finally, Thirroul JFC would like to thank Turspec for doing such a fantastic job.
After 120mm of rain, Saturday, March 4, 2017
2016 after similar heavy rainfall
Eastern side of Ground 1, near where the dug outs are usually situated.
The same area last season.
Northern end of Ground 1
2016 photo..