Inside Hawthorne Rodeo Park redevelopment in Grafton

A new vision for the Clarence Valley’s much-loved equestrian venue has been unveiled, with plans to give it a dual purpose during disasters. See what’s slated for the precinct overhaul.

Plans to overhaul Hawthorne Park and turn it into a state-of-the-art equestrian venue have been unveiled.

The vision for the South Grafton facility combines natural elements and purpose-built equestrian infrastructure to form the Hawthorne Rodeo Park masterplan.

“Some existing facilities and natural elements have been retained and enhanced with new pathways and upgraded facilities to meet current disability requirements, equestrian needs and community expectations,” documents before Clarence Valley Council state.

“The plan provides greater connections between spaces, linking the various arenas and yards with amenities, food and beverage facilities and parking.

The Far North Coast Australian Stock Horse Branch Horse Challenge Show held at Hawthorne Park, South Grafton in May, 2021.

“The masterplan retains most of the primary infrastructure in its existing locations including the main arena, polocrosse and multi/function fields, arena one and three in addition to the western stables and food and beverage areas.

“Other inclusions are storage facilities, spectator seating areas, arena and park lighting, additional stables and amenities, formalised parking and camping areas.

The Far North Coast Australian Stock Horse Branch Horse Challenge Show held at Hawthorne Park, South Grafton in May 2021.

“The orientation of Arena Two has changed to allow improved flow and connectivity through the middle of the facility.

“Additionally, a roof has been recommended over one of the arenas (1, 2, or 3), with the details of the arena to be confirmed at the time when funding is available based on user requirements.”

A two-year community consultation program found that construction of an undercover arena, upgrades to equestrian areas and replacement of the public amenities were front of mind for users of the ageing facility.

An aerial view of Hawthorne Park in South Grafton. Picture: Clarence Valley Council

A five-stage upgrade has been proposed to the council, with the first stage involving removal of the ageing Roy Hawthorne Stand and upgrades to lighting and grandstands.

Stage three involves the establishment of a heritage and camping area, with the final stages including new amenities, stables and an upgrade of the polocrosse fields.

SEE THE PICTURES IN THE SLIDER BELOW

Clarence Valley Council has already been successful in securing $241,000 in funding for stage one of the upgrades, under the state government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

The upgrades in the masterplan have also been mooted as suitable for an emergency facility in times of bushfire.

During the 2019 bushfires, the park was opened to the community for livestock and domestic pets because of the “fast-moving nature of the emergency”.

The park was also used to set up testing clinics throughout the Covid pandemic.

There were long lines at a drive-through Covid-19 testing clinic at Hawthorne Park in South Grafton throughout the Covid pandemic. Picture: Adam Hourigan

“The use of Hawthorne Rodeo Park for future emergencies was considered in the development of the masterplan,” council documents read.

“While the plan does not meet the strict criteria to be either an animal holding facility or

Neighbourhood Safe Place under Rural Fire service guidelines, it can be opened again if needed.

“The upgrades in the masterplan will be of benefit in times of emergency, providing good access, upgraded stabling and amenities and connectivity through the park.”

Hawthorne Rodeo Park masterplan for the overhaul of the South Grafton facility. Picture: Clarence Valley Council documents

Hawthorne Rodeo Park masterplan – staging plan – for the overhaul of the South Grafton facility. Picture: Clarence Valley Council documents

The masterplan came before the council on Tuesday but the Hawthorne Park Equestrian User Group asked councillors to consider a number of changes to the staging plan.

A spokeswoman for the group, who once worked for the council, said councillors had been sent an email about the proposed changed that all user groups had agreed to.

She asked the council to endorse the user group’s proposal rather than the masterplan, noting one of the proposed roads would go through a swamp.

Councillors decided to defer a decision for a month to seek further feedback from the groups that use the park and have an onsite inspection.