Lightwood Park Opening
The Kingborough Lions United Football Club today celebrates the official opening of the state-of-the-art Lightwood Park Pavilion and facilities, marking the completion of an ambitious four-year development project that has transformed the precinct into Southern Tasmania’s premier football destination.
The $6.53 million project, delivered across three stages between 2022 and 2025, has created a FIFA-standard facility featuring eight change-rooms, three referee rooms, medical and kit facilities, a reconstructed main pitch with professional lighting, and a spectacular 830-seat grandstand.
A Vision Realised Through Partnership
The transformation of Lightwood Park began over a decade ago when the Kingborough Lions United FC Committee of Management identified the need for upgraded facilities to serve the growing football community, particularly the increasing number of female players.
“This facility represents the power of collaboration between all levels of government and our dedicated football community,” said Brian Downes, Club President.. “What started as a need for better changerooms has evolved into a world-class facility that will serve our community for generations to come.”
Government Investment Creates Lasting Legacy
The project received unprecedented support from the three levels of government:
- Federal Government: $3.03 million following the 2022 election commitment
- State Government: $3.3 million, including $300,000 through the ‘Levelling the Playing Field’ Grant (2018) and $3 million as part of Tasmania’s FIFA Women’s World Cup legacy commitment (2021)
- Kingborough Council: $246,000 across multiple funding rounds
The facility was originally designed to meet FIFA Base Camp requirements for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with Lightwood Park included in the official FIFA Base and Training Camp Brochure distributed to all qualified nations.
“The facility now stands as a testament to what can be achieved when community vision is supported by all three levels of government, providing Southern Tasmania with a football facility that rivals the best in the country,” said Brian Downes.
Brian also paid tribute to the Club’s volunteer Project Management Team, who met fortnightly throughout the four-year construction period, working alongside Maveric Builders and AKA Architects led by Andrew Kerr,
“Without the dedication of our committed volunteers and outstanding commercial partners, we would not be here today. I would particularly like to acknowledge the contribution of Club Vice-President, Simon Edwards, for all his contributions to this project.”
World-Class Features
The completed Lightwood Park Pavilion boasts:
- Eight FIFA-standard change-rooms that can be converted into four large facilities
- Three dedicated referee rooms
- Medical room and kit storage facilities
- Universal access toilet with public access
- Completely reconstructed main pitch (Clennett’s Lightwood Park) with new drainage and irrigation
- Professional lighting system delivering 500 lux capacity
- Impressive 830-seat grandstand.
Timeline of Achievement
- April 2022: Stage 1 completed (four FIFA changerooms)
- December 2022: Stage 2 completed (additional changerooms, referee facilities, medical room)
- July 2023: New lighting and pitch reconstruction completed
- June 2025: Stage 3 completed (830-seat grandstand)
Quotes attributable to partners:
The Hon Julie Collins MP, Federal Member for Franklin:
“I am proud to see this important election commitment I secured for the Kingborough community back in 2022 now delivered.
“This project is all about delivering a world class facility for southern Tasmania and providing more opportunities for grassroot players, including new female players.
“These upgrades have been driven by the community and are thanks to the volunteers and members who are part of the Kingborough Lions United FC.
“I will always fight to ensure Franklin, including the Kingborough community, gets its fair share.”
Nick Duigan, Minister for Sports and Events
“We are pleased to have committed $3.3 million to the Lightwood Park project, for new changerooms and upgraded lighting.
“Sport is more than just infrastructure; it brings people together, builds resilience, and strengthens communities and I look forward to seeing the far-reaching benefits this commitment will bring.
“There is no greater supporter of sport and active recreation in this State than the Tasmanian Liberal Government and we want to finish the job, for Tasmania.
Councillor Paula Wriedt, Mayor of Kingborough
“Lightwood Park continues to grow as a vital hub for local soccer.
“Recent upgrades will ensure the facility meets the needs of our expanding soccer community.
“As the home of Kingborough Lions Football Club, the park supports around 750 players, including 450 juniors which reflects the strong local interest and participation in soccer.
“Now also hosting State training camps, Lightwood Park has become a key venue for connection, development, and community involvement in grassroots sport.”
“Football Tasmania is thrilled with the upgrades to Lightwood Park, which make this facility the standout rectangular ground in the State’s South, to be enjoyed by footballers at all levels, from grassroots to our top flight men’s and women’s leagues, the McDonald’s National Premier Leagues Tasmania and the McDonald’s Women’s Super League.
“This achievement shows what’s possible when our clubs work with all levels of government to progressively develop their facilities, and we congratulate Brian and his team for making this a reality.
“But we can’t stop here. Tasmania doesn’t have the facilities it needs to meet the growing demands of our sport, and we will continue to support all clubs to upgrade and expand their facilities, while also pushing for funding for a Home of Football in the State’s South, with six pitches for all levels of football.”
