Erko Oval now best in South Sydney

Renovations to “Erko” began three years ago when Council and the South Sydney Rabbitohs Football Club agreed to jointly fund a re-development project.

Rabbitohs CEO, Shane Richardson, said at the time, “I’m very pleased about the upgrading of facilities at Erskineville Oval as it will provide our players with a better environment in which to prepare, and also provide this community with a public facility that can be used by all”.

The Alexandria Rovers took over the running of the ground when the Rabbitohs returned to Redfern Oval early this year. Rovers president, Ray Teuma, said the majority of the re-development had been completed to the highest standard except for some work on the grandstand which posed a danger to young children.

“The grandstand railing wasn’t safe and secure and there is a 40-foot drop below. We were concerned the kids could have fallen through the railing.”

Mr Teuma said the club immediately notified Council in writing of the danger and they were very quick to respond. “I really have to give Council a big wrap; they came out and put up netting and brand new railings. Within a week the problem had been fixed.”

With the remaining work on the ground now completed, Mr Teuma said Erskineville Oval is one of the premier sporting facilities in Sydney. “We are going great guns now. It’s just a great place for the kids and the parents to come to play, train and watch footy. We hope to have a long reign here at Erskineville Oval.”

The or iginal upgrade included improving the playing surface, installing an oval perimeter fence, repairing timber bench seats in the stadium and open air seating area, providing a pedestrian path between Ashmore Street and Fox Avenue, planting new trees, upgrading oval training lights, improving public toilet facilities and completing a general audit of existing building conditions.

At the time the project was announced the Rabbitohs were using Erskineville Oval as their main training facility while waiting for Council to complete the upgrade of Redfern Oval. The Rabbitohs continued to use the ground until January this year when they made their long awaited return to their “spiritual home” at Redfern Oval.

Source: South Sydney Herald July 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au