Let’s kick it out of the park

THE concept for Griffiths Park at Manunda might be too confined. Let’s look at the big picture.

There has always been a desire for a rectangular stadium with Barlow Park, Little Barlow Park and the adjacent showground as the possible venue.

But there are two sticking points: the athletics track at Barlow Park and the showground as home to the best regional show in Australia.

Which leaves Griffiths Park.

The stakeholders, involving three cricket clubs and Cairns Saints AFL, are proposing a premier multisporting venue at the Gatton St site.

But why not involve Cairns Basketball and the West Cairns Bowls Club?

By combining all three properties there is a site large enough for a bigger main ground and grandstand that could host more than just AFL and cricket.

What about football and rugby league as well?

It wouldn’t need to be a stadium either.

A redesign would require the bowls greens to move as well as the basketball venue but with some clever thinking they could be incorporated.

A clubhouse attached to the main grandstand could serve as the cash cow for all clubs, serving all stakeholders and sports and their members, patrons and guests with bars, a restaurant or two and a gaming room.

The super-clubhouse for AFL, cricket, bowls and basketball could be the revenue raiser to help pay for the multimillion-dollar redevelopment.

The current Griffiths Park concept is a step in the right direction but needs to be taken to the next level. Nick Dalton

Deputy editor