Saturday marked the official opening of the newly-renovated City Park Sports Ground, followed by two junior provincial matches taking place at the iconic sporting venue.
City Park boasts a rich 50-year history and is rated as one of the most iconic rugby facilities in sporting circles.
The ground recently received a R1.29-million upgrade, implemented by the Sports Trust – upgrading its clubhouse interior, cloakrooms and exterior facilities, which can now be enjoyed by its patrons and players alike, in a safe secure environment.
In celebration of this official opening on Saturday, which was attended by members of the WPRFU, Western Cape Government officials, the Sports Trust, SuperSport and City Park Board members, the DHL Western Province Under-19 and U21 teams played against their Bulls opponents at 13h30 and 15h30, respectively.
The WP U19s went down 10-34 to the Bulls U19s, but the WP Under-21 team extracted revenge with a hard-fought 14-6 win over their Bulls opponents – the lousy weather conditions not tempering the joy of the lively crowd. (See a photo gallery HERE!)
Pat Kuhn, the current Chairman of the Board, paid tribute to those officials who over the years contributed to the upkeep of City Park, saying: “All of the officials tirelessly and unselfishly gave not only their time but their own money to make it possible for City Park to be maintained. Today, we are fortunate to have partners like The Sports Trust and WPRFU to assist us but we will never forget the input and vision of those who started the process.”
The City Park clubs boasts a long history beginning when the erstwhile City & Suburban Rugby Football Union (est. 1898) played its rugby at the Mowbray grounds which was expropriated in 1959 by the Cape Provincial Administration under the Apartheid Laws. City Park was the only privately owned sports field in the non-acial fold and as such, was used for a variety of events other than sport – including political rallies, funerals, mass protests actions, etc.
The number of the clubs who played in the City & Suburban League at City Park varied between 14 and 20 and they all have supported this venue. A lease agreement was signed with WPRFU at the advent of unity which took place in 1992.
Anita Mathews, Executive Director of the Sports Trust, said: “This investment will ensure that the game of rugby will continue to be enjoyed by our youth, and played with honour, dignity and pride.
“Playing sport provides our youth with an opportunity to succeed and enhance their education, and ultimately it has the unique ability to unite our rainbow nation. We are proud to have been able to support City Park , thereby providing better facilities for all patrons to enjoy.”