Lights shine on Griffiths Park in time for Big Bas

With the flick of a switch Griffiths Park in Manunda will become the official home of cricket in Far North Queensland.

Mayor Bob Manning will be joined Cairns MP Michael Healy and representatives from the Cairns Cricket Association (CCA) to officially switch on the new lighting tonight ahead of the opening game of the inaugural Barrier Reef Big Bash.

The lighting upgrade is part of a larger $5 million upgrade for Griffiths Park (Stage 1), and includes lighting upgrades to field 1 (adjacent to Sportsworld), along with additional parking and upgraded training facilities and landscaping.

Council received State Government funding of $1 million for Stage 1 of the Griffiths Park upgrade under the Active Communities Infrastructure program.

Cricket Queensland has contributed $100,000 to the project.

Council also spent $850,000 for initial planning of the upgrade and the acquisition of new land off Warner St for additional car parking.

The lighting upgrade (Stage 1a of the project), involved the erection of four new light towers, about 41 metres in height, to provide 500 lux lighting for the infield and 300 lux to the outfield. This will ensure the venue’s compliance as a Class II facility as specified by the Queensland Cricket Infrastructure Strategy.

Stage 1b of the project, to start mid-year, will improve access, car parking, the plaza, cricket practice wickets and the shed, as well as upgrade landscaping and connection pathways, which will allow for informal active recreation as well as create a statement entry point for the entire precinct.

Mayor Bob Manning said the most recent improvements at Griffiths Park would help the grow the sport within the region and add to the growing list of quality sporting infrastructure in Cairns.

“On competition of the project Griffiths Park will be one of the premier sporting facilities in Cairns,” Cr Manning said.

“This project aligns with the strategic direction of cricket in the Far North and ensures Cairns is in a good position to attract high profile events to the region.”

Member for Cairns and Assistant Tourism Minister Michael Healy said the new lighting and other improvements to start in coming months would stamp Griffiths Park on Far North Queensland’s community sporting map.

“The $1 million for new lighting I’ve helped secure through the Palaszczuk Government’s Active Community Infrastructure program will be a game changer for Griffiths Park,” Mr Healy said.

“Tonight’s T20-style game – played under the new lights – is a preview of the great potential of this sporting precinct.

“As the traditional home of Cairns Cricket, this is the first peek at a bigger picture that will see Griffiths Park become a hub for state and regional carnivals and events for cricket and also AFL.”