Tennis coach Roger Rasheed helping transform tired Christie Downs reserve into sports hub
AN INTERNATIONAL tennis coach has his sights set on transforming a tired Christie Downs reserve into a sports hub for disadvantaged children.
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AN INTERNATIONAL tennis coach has his sights set on transforming a tired Christie Downs reserve into a sports hub for disadvantaged children.
Roger Rasheed is in discussion with Onkaparinga Council and Reynell MP Katrine Hildyard about designing a multi-use recreation park between Morton Rd and Christie Downs railway station.
It would be delivered through the Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation, which gives children from disadvantaged communities access to a better life through sport.
Mr Rasheed met with about 40 residents, including 10 children, at Christie Downs Community House last week to share ideas about what the park could offer.
Mrs Hildyard, who called the meeting, said it was important to work with the community.
“It’s the beginning of the conversation about this space ... we want to work together with everyone,” Mrs Hildyard said.
Mr Rasheed said the reserve had the potential to offer multiple different sports with free coaching, nature play elements, a world-class skate park and a laned track for bikes and scooters.
“This could be the heart of Christie Downs – it will transform this community and the area,” Mr Rasheed told the meeting.
“Every child has a dream and there are some kids that don’t get the opportunity to keep that dream alive.
“We try to activate the space with sport.”
Other suggestions from residents included a track for children learning to ride bikes, a climbing wall, programs that parents and carers could also get involved in, and equipment for those with disabilities.
While the idea is in the early stages, Mr Rasheed said he hoped it would be finished in the next year.
“I’m here to try and make sure we can get the marriage right between the council, Katrine and ourselves,” Mr Rasheed said.
“Once we get through discussions with the council, I get to work pretty quickly.”
He said ideally local and state government, along with the foundation, would cover the cost – which is yet to be established.
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