Club Toowoomba submits plans for undercover lawn bowls greens

A state-of-the-art undercover green is part of Club Toowoomba’s multimillion-dollar vision to attract high profile lawn bowls tournaments.

Looking over the plans for a state-of-the-art undercover green at Club Toowoomba are (from left) Club Toowoomba general manager Kelly Cassidy, West Toowoomba Bowls Club secretary Mike Tracey, South Toowoomba Bowls Club chairwoman Gina Hawker, and South Toowoomba Bowls Club treasurer Geoff Fritz. Picture: Kevin Farmer

A state-of-the-art 12 rink undercover green is part of a plan by Club Toowoomba to become a major destination for high profile lawn bowls tournaments, while providing members the facilities to play the sport they love all year, no matter the season.

Still in the initial planning stages, the multimillion-dollar upgrade plans would see the club have the first artificial covered green in the Darling Downs, and would be home to more than 200 bowlers following the merger of West Toowoomba Bowls Club and South Toowoomba Bowls Club in late 2020.

“When we took over Club Toowoomba it was originally just South Toowoomba Bowls Club, and there was a deal that they would use Club Toowoomba as their home base,” Club Toowoomba general manager Kelly Cassidy said.

“When we were talking to West (Toowoomba Bowls Club) there was another two venues that they were going to decide between but they came to Club Toowoomba because we’re moving with the times and looking to offer something new for Toowoomba, as well as compete to host major bowls tournaments.”

The undercover greens include plans for a single canopy to protect the area from both hot sun and wet weather, and features LED lighting for shadow free night bowling.

Ms Cassidy said they have been working with industry specialist MakMax to finalise the design.

“We’ve submitted our plans for a federal government grant so we’re waiting for feedback and approval at this stage,” she said.

“It could be a long process but we’re hoping not too long, if all goes to plan we’re hoping to know if our plan is approved in the next four weeks, and the members are really excited for that.

“If we do get the tick of approval we’re hoping to see this upgrade finished in about nine months, definitely by the end of 2022.”

Looking over the plans for a state-of-the-art undercover green at Club Toowoomba are (from left) South Toowoomba Bowls Club chairwoman Gina Hawker, Club Toowoomba general manager Kelly Cassidy, West Toowoomba Bowls Club secretary Mike Tracey and South Toowoomba Bowls Club treasurer Geoff Fritz. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ms Cassidy said the development would put Club Toowoomba on the lawn bowls map and allow them to compete to host State Championships and regional tournaments that otherwise would be played in Brisbane or Ipswich.

“The project will provide cost savings as well enabling the community club to invest more into the sport through programs to attract a younger demographic to the club like many other clubs have been able to achieve through a project like this,” she said.

“The injection of money into the local economy due to the attraction of more bowling tournaments would also be significant.

“The cost of maintenance on bowling greens is generally to a lot more than you can receive in green fees and this has been the cause of the demise of many bowls clubs throughout Queensland.”

Originally published as Club Toowoomba submits plans for undercover lawn bowls greens