Parking changes at Horsham City Oval

Published on 22 June 2018

Spectators are no longer allowed to park their cars around Horsham City Oval’s perimeter, effective immediately.

The changes come after a safety review identified this as an unacceptable risk, for a number of reasons, including the potential for vehicles to roll off the viewing mounds that surround the oval.

Director Technical Services John Martin said parking inside City Oval was now restricted to the designated parking areas adjacent to the netball court and behind the main clubrooms.

There will be space reserved for disabled parking near the Baker Street entrance, with game day permits issued by Horsham Football Netball Club.

“There have been anecdotal reports of near misses at similar venues, where a car has inadvertently rolled forward and come close to colliding with families who are seated on the edge of the oval,” Mr Martin said.

“There are many other dangers associated with cars reversing or driving amongst spectators.

“Horsham Football and Netball Club, the City Oval Advisory Committee and Council agree that the potential danger must be eliminated.

“We must prioritise safety over short term inconvenience,” he said.

Mr Martin said the parking change was the first step in a series of improvements for the venue in the coming years.

A master plan will be developed, with all user groups involved in developing an enhancement strategy.

“Simply stopping cars from parking around the ground may not be the final outcome. A working group of representatives from different sporting groups and council officers will be investigating ways to improve access and viewing arrangements,” he said.

“Our aim is to develop facilities at the City Oval so people are encouraged and supported to safely attend events in comfort.

Horsham Football and Netball Club chairperson Geoffrey Lord said safety had to be the first priority at City Oval.

“We understand Horsham Rural City Council’s decision. While this may be a change from past practice, we realise that for the safety of the community, in particular our supporters, families and visiting teams that this decision has been made,” Mr Lord said.

“We are continuing to work closely with Council to ensure the provision of disabled parking access.”