North Perth Bowling Club asks for help from Vincent council to convert bowling green from grass to synthetic

An inner city bowling club wants the City of Vincent to help bankroll a transformation of one of its bowling greens.

North Perth Bowling and Recreational Club wants the council to cover about 25 per cent of the cost — or about $66,100 —— to convert one of its grass bowling greens into a synthetic bowling green.

The club claims the change would reduce its water use by up to half and increase accessibility for people with disabilities.

City officers have recommended the council endorse the club’s proposal, with a decision to be made at next week’s council meeting.

If approved, 25 per cent of the project would come from the city’s community sporting recreation facilities fund — a grant helping community groups develop sport and recreation infrastructure.

The bowling club has also asked the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries for a 50 per cent grant (about $132,200).

The entire project would cost about $264,200.

According to the club, the existing grass bowling green has several issues, including deterioration, water drainage problems and an “infestation of pests”.

The grass is also said to suffer seasonal challenges, such as requiring extra water in warmer months.

“The conversion to a synthetic bowling green will remove most of these issues and reduce the ongoing operational costs for the club to manage the asset,” a city officer’s report said.

The report said a change in turf would reduce the club’s water usage by about 50 per cent and would allow “better access” for people on wheelchairs.

“North Perth Bowling and Recreational Club converting a grass bowling green to a synthetic bowling green will have environmental and operational benefits,” it said.

“The conversion will reduce water, chemical and power use at the facility and allow better access to the green by being more wheelchair friendly.

“This will allow North Perth Bowling and Recreational Club to be a more accessible, higher quality and sustainable recreational asset for the local area.”

North Perth Bowling and Recreational Club treasurer Paul Russell spoke at Tuesday night’s council briefing and said the club had seen “sustained success” in the past three years.

“From a struggling club of less than 300 members in 2019, we have grown both on and off the field,” he said.

“A synthetic grass while having environmental benefits, is now a necessity for this site to cater for the sustained increased use that is putting pressure on maintaining the natural grass surface.

“We envisage more growth in the coming years and look forward to being an integral component of the Woodville Reserve Master Plan and redevelopment to ensure a strong and vibrant recreational hub.”