Redlands Rays Baseball has hit a home run, with a lighting upgrade at the club’s Capalaba grounds now complete and ready to be enjoyed by senior and junior baseballers.
Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the lighting project, which was supported through the SEQ Liveability Fund as part of the SEQ City Deal, would help to set up the club for a strong future at Redlands Baseball Park.
“Baseball is going from strength-to-strength on Redlands Coast, and these lighting improvements will ensure that both the sport and the club can continue to grow in coming years,” Cr Talty said.
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“The LED lights will make a real difference for both night matches and training, while also positioning the club to host more high-level matches and tournaments at Redlands Baseball Park.
“This lighting will increase player safety, improve energy efficiency, and reduce light impacts outside the grounds; and having aluminium wiring instead of copper, the risk of copper theft is also reduced.
“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games just around the corner, investment in sporting infrastructure is needed to ensure our local clubs and players can capitalise on this unique opportunity.
“We believe this lighting upgrade will support Redlands Rays in continuing to develop and nurture young Redlands Coast talent.”
Division 9 Councillor and Sport and Recreation portfolio representative Jason Colley said the completion of the project was an exciting moment for the club.
“Infrastructure enhancements such as these ensure there are opportunities for Redlanders to live active, healthy, and socially connected lifestyles,” he said.
“One of the main benefits of lighting is that it extends playable hours, allowing people to participate in the sport they love after work, school, or study commitments.
“Redlands Rays Baseball is a family-friendly club that caters for teams across various levels and age groups, so we know these enhancements will be well used for years to come.
“With softball and baseball set to return at the 2028 Olympics and advocacy ongoing for both sports to be included in the 2032 program, this is a great time for the new lights to be switched on.
“The City Deals initiative has been a great success in bringing forward funding for the community and key grassroots infrastructure projects such as these.”
Redlands Rays Baseball Club president Ben Reynolds extended his thanks to Council and the other funding partners for their support of the project.
“This lighting upgrade has been a tremendous boost for the Redlands Rays Baseball Club and a major improvement to our current infrastructure,” he said.
“It has enhanced our facilities, created more opportunities for training and development, and will allow us to host additional night games for our members and the wider community.
“Importantly, it also positions our club to attract future tournaments, both domestically and internationally.”
The lighting upgrade at the Capalaba fields is one of three projects being supported through the SEQ Liveability Fund, with lighting enhancements also being delivered at Redlands Cricket Association in Wellington Point and Redlands Softball Club in Ormiston.
The SEQ Liveability Fund is a commitment under the SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and the Council of Mayors South-East Queensland.
