East Fremantle Community Park: A New Hub for Local Sporting Clubs and Community Engagement
The East Fremantle Community Park, which opened its doors last year following a significant $32 million redevelopment, is poised to become a vibrant hub for local sports and community activities. This initiative aims to create a cost-neutral asset for the Town of East Fremantle while fostering a sense of community through various recreational and social opportunities.
Facilities and Features
At the heart of the park is a redeveloped football oval that serves as the home ground for the East Fremantle Sharks. In addition to the oval, the park boasts a range of modern facilities, including a synthetic bowling green, unisex changerooms, a dedicated dog exercise area, and a skate zone. Community gardens add a touch of greenery, while a commercial gym, café, bar, kitchen, and function rooms provide essential services for visitors. The entire operation is managed by Belgravia Leisure under a five-year outsourcing agreement, ensuring professional oversight of the park’s amenities.
Licensing and Revenue Sharing
In a recent council meeting held on July 15, 2024, significant changes were made to the licensing agreement that governs the use of the park by local sporting clubs. The East Fremantle Bowling Club and East Fremantle Croquet Club will now have access to areas of the park that they are not sub-leasing, enhancing their operational capabilities. This adjustment comes after the original agreement was approved in May 2024, only to be revised in December due to changes in the food and beverage payment model.
Under the new revenue-sharing arrangement, 4% of gross food and beverage revenue will be allocated to the East Fremantle Football Club and the two clubs. Additionally, club members will enjoy a 10% discount on food and beverage purchases, promoting local engagement and support for the clubs.
Financial Viability and Risk Management
The council report highlights the importance of a sustainable financial model for the park’s operations. If the East Fremantle Football Club does not achieve an annual turnover of $300,000, or if the East Fremantle Bowling Club falls short of $180,000, the council reserves the right to reclaim any or all of their food and beverage revenue. This stipulation underscores the need for financial viability to mitigate risks associated with further subsidies from ratepayers.
The report also indicates that the presidents of the bowling and croquet clubs are comfortable with the new arrangement, suggesting a collaborative approach to managing the park’s resources. The revenue-sharing model reflects the significant financial contributions made by the town towards the park’s redevelopment, ensuring that the sporting clubs have a sustainable revenue stream from food and beverage operations.
Future Prospects and Adjustments
The agreement includes provisions for a review after six months, allowing for potential increases in the clubs’ revenue share. If food and beverage revenue reaches between $3.5 million and $4 million, the clubs’ share could rise to 5%, and to 6% if revenue exceeds $4 million. This flexible approach aims to adapt to the park’s financial performance, ensuring that all parties benefit from its success.
Belgravia Leisure has also committed to forgoing its $100,000 management fee if it fails to meet budget targets, demonstrating a shared commitment to the park’s financial health. The management company will also waive any bonuses it might receive for exceeding budget expectations, further aligning its interests with those of the community.
Investment and Community Impact
The redevelopment of East Fremantle Community Park has attracted significant investment, with the State Government contributing $26 million, the Town of East Fremantle pledging $8 million, and additional support from Lotterywest and the AFL Facilities Fund. This collaborative funding effort underscores the park’s potential to serve as a focal point for community engagement, sports, and leisure activities.
With its diverse range of facilities and a strong emphasis on community involvement, East Fremantle Community Park is set to become a cornerstone of local life, where sporting events and social gatherings can flourish side by side. The pressure is now on the kitchens and bars to deliver quality service and contribute to the park’s vibrant atmosphere, ensuring that it remains a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike.
