Harper Sercombe
Merrifield is one of the state’s fastest growing suburbs, and is anticipated to become the state’s second city.
The life blood of every suburb is its sporting club, and Merrifield is no exception.
The Merrifield Recreation Reserve opened earlier this month which includes a new sports pavilion, change rooms, toilets, showers and social rooms.
The reserve is already home to two ovals, fit for football or cricket, six tennis courts, a trio of cricket nets, a skate park and dog park.
The Merrifield Panthers Sporting Association calls the reserve home and president Glenn Herring said he can’t wait to see the development of his association.
“It’s very exciting, the facility has been a little while coming, the grounds have been available and in use for over 12 months,” he said.
“But to now have the facilities, for our participants to be able to utilise is a great first step.”
The Panthers currently have basketball and cricket teams up and running but are looking to expand into junior football and junior and senior tennis for next season.
“We’re aiming to have under eights, tens and twelves [football] teams, and we’re currently on the look out for volunteers and coaches,” he said.
All of the sports at Merrifield run under the same banner which Mr Herring believes is the best way to create cohesion amongst the sports.
“I truly believe in the model we have developed to create a harmonious atmosphere, “ he said.
“We’re an open book and as the community interest develops in one sport or another we will look to annex that under the sport association banner.”
