Northampton will be home to a multi-purpose rage cage at Guide Park should The Nationals WA form government in 2021 following a commitment announced by Member for Moore Shane Love today.
The $150,000 rage cage would be funded by Royalties for Regions and co-located centrally near existing skate park facilities, creating a hub for local and visiting youth.
Mr Love, who was in town with Leader Mia Davies today, said although Northampton had some fantastic local sport and recreation facilities, the idea of a rage cage had been discussed with local stakeholders as a great way to keep youth engaged and active.
“Rage cages are all age, permanent outdoor sport and recreation complexes designed to incorporate 10 or more of the most popular sports,” he said.
“This funding commitment covers the purchase and assembly of the facility, which could also replace the ageing half basketball court at Guide Park, central to Northampton town site and easily accessible.
“It’s a great way to provide a single-site facility catering for a range of sports that children, adolescents and adults can enjoy as individuals or in groups.”
The rage cage model committed to was first built in the Sydney Olympic athletes village and provides for 10 sports including soccer, hockey, lacrosse, netball, basketball, cricket, rebound tennis, handball, bouldering and various roller sports.
The commitment has the support of Northampton Old School Community Initiative (NOSCI) and the Shire of Northampton, the latter of which will be engaged to discuss preparatory earthworks and site preparation should the project go ahead.
Northampton local and Nationals WA candidate for the Agricultural Region Rob Horstman said adding to the sport and recreation scene in the Mid West town would be a bonus.
“Modern and co-located sporting facilities have a proven impact in regional communities and this concept will achieve that in the centre of town,” he said.
“With the adjacent skate park and nearby basketball facilities at Northampton Recreation Centre, we believe this commitment can improve the recreation offering in town.”
