Lark Hill Sportsplex receives international recognition for its Polytan hockey pitch

A major international accolade has been secured by the main hockey pitch at the City of Rockingham’s Lark Hill Sportsplex in Port Kennedy, with its accreditation by the Federation Internationale de Hockey (FIH - International Hockey Federation) to host global level matches – making it one of only two venues in Western Australia to hold such accreditation.

Lark Hill Sportsplex has been home to the Rockingham Districts Hockey Club since 2009. The synthetic turf pitch at Lark Hill was replaced by the City in late 2021, with the FIH subsequently carrying out a thorough accreditation process throughout 2022.

Contractor Polytan swiftly delivered an outstanding project during difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19.

Following inspection it has been classified ‘Category 2’ opening up the potential for the venue to be used for international and top level national competitions for the next three years. The upgrades to the main pitch follow on from other works at Lark Hill including the installation of new state-of-the art floodlighting and a full refurbishment of the clubrooms.

Mayor Deb Hamblin said the high level accreditation received from the FIH was an exciting moment for the City and local sport.

Mayor Hamblin notes “Lark Hill Sportsplex is a vital community infrastructure facility that provides extensive multi-use playing fields and social areas for a number of sporting codes, and hockey is a key part of this.

“Extensive works have been carried out to ensure the playing surface is suitable for generations to come. The project has been a major success, and we are proud to be one of only two venues in WA that holds this level of accreditation from hockey’s highest international governing body. 

“This $410,000 project was supported by Rockingham Districts Hockey Club, which contributed $196,000 to the renewal of the playing surface, and the City gratefully acknowledges its contribution. We also thank contractor Polytan for swiftly delivering an outstanding project during difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19.”      

“For the Rockingham District Hockey Club and the City we have received nothing but praise for the new surface plus of course the fantastic facilities. Rockingham Hockey is tremendously proud of our growing influence at state hockey levels. 2022 has seen the club win promotion to division two of the state league - A proud achievement in our 50 years of hockey in Rockingham. The club believes this will encourage a boost in membership during our summer season and in the 2023 full winter season.”

For further information about Polytan, click here to visit their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

Image top: Mayor Deb Hamblin, Makenzie Moore and Rockingham District Hockey Club President Alan Mills enjoying a hit on the pitch; image above Polytan playing surface on the main hockey pitch at Lark Hill Sportsplex has been recognised with international accreditation. Credit: City of Rockingham.