Part 2: Synthetic green heralds a new era for bowls club
The new synthetic playing surface at the St George Bowling Club is one of the first of its kind on the Darling Downs.
The project came as a result of the initiative and hard work of the club and made possible through a funding partnership between St George Shire Council and the Queensland Government.
How did the club identify the need for the facilities?
What research did it undertake to determine the type of facility needed?
How did the club become aware of the Minor Facilities Program?
How did the club go about putting together an application?
What obstacles did the club have to overcome?
What advice does the club have for organisations undertaking similar projects?
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How did the club identify the need for the facilities?
While happy with its traditional grass green, the club was going backwards financially because of the rising costs of maintenance and falling bar sales. The new synthetic green has a significant establishment cost but very few ongoing maintenance costs.
What research did it undertake to determine the type of facility needed?
The club contacted a number of suppliers of synthetic surfaces and considered the merits of the different surfaces available. It settled on a sand-based non-directional carpet surface that was within the budget range of the Minor Facilities Program.
How did the club become aware of the Minor Facilities Program?
Unsure how the club could fund the synthetic surface, the club's treasurer George Thomas fortunately received information about an upcoming funding workshop in St George organised by advisers from in Dalby.
Mr Thomas attended the workshop and later spoke with the presenter to confirm the project was eligible for funding under the Minor Facilities Program.
How did the club go about putting together an application?
The club met with an adviser on a number of occasions to ensure its application met the program's requirements. It also confirmed in writing that the council was willing to contribute to the project (an organisation can apply for funding of up to two-thirds of a project's, to a maximum of $75,000, under the Minor Facilities Program).
What obstacles did the club have to overcome?
The main obstacle the club faced was the attitude of some members when the idea of the synthetic green was first raised. With most bowlers having only ever played on natural grass, it was to be expected that there would be initial misgivings and even hostility from some members. This was compounded by the fact that those who had played on a synthetic surface had only experienced an older, inferior kind of surface to the one being proposed. The majority of members accepted, however, that the synthetic green was needed for financial reasons to secure the club's future. Support for the new surface grew once it was laid, and particularly after the three-month 'grooming period' had passed. Grooming, necessary to obtain optimum performance, involved club members regularly brushing the green with a modified lawnmower to redistribute sand and keep the synthetic fibres vertical.
What advice does the club have for organisations undertaking similar projects?
Mr Thomas believes a club needs to be able to stand on its own two feet. At the same time, he strongly advocates clubs working in partnership with the Queensland Government for the benefit of members and the wider community. He encourages clubs to plan new facilities to do their homework and check their eligibility for funding through this website.
Want more information?
For more information about the St George Bowling Club project, phone the club on (07) 4625 3331 and leave a message for club treasurer, Mr George Thomas. View further information about the Minor Facilities Program or contact us.