The Harvey Recreation Ground is a large recreation space, including the Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre, and excellent sporting facilities for AFL, hockey, and cricket. It is also used for numerous functions and events, including the Harvey Agriculture Show.
The Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre offers a well-equipped gym and fitness facilities, function rooms for hire, accredited after-school and holiday childcare services, sports and recreation programs, indoor netball and basketball courts, and outstanding arts and cultural experiences.
With recent lighting upgrades to over 200 lux, the Recreation Ground’s main oval is now suitable for night-time high-level big ball sports matches. Other AFL facilities include clubrooms, bar facilities, and male and female change rooms.
In terms of cricket facilities, the Recreation Ground is home to the best cricket wicket in the South West, which is supported by a 4-practice hard wicket net area.
The entire Recreation Ground complex is also available for major and minor event hire through the Shire of Harvey.
History
Donated by Drs Harvey and Hayward, Harvey Recreation Ground was established through the hard work of local volunteers.
One of the first events on the site was the Harvey Citrus Show in 1904. The first Agricultural Show was held in 1919.
In 1929, the Harvey Road Board borrowed £1200 to extend the ground and undertake improvements including, fencing, tennis courts, and the provision of a race track. It was further expanded in the 1930s and 80s.
Grandstand and Entrance Gates
The impressive grandstand is named after Arthur Marshall, the Captain of the Harvey Cricket team in the 1950s.
Designed by architects Powell, Cameron and Chisholm and constructed in 1936 by J. Johnston, the impressive grandstand was built for viewing the Harvey Trots, which were first held under electric lights the same year. It was formally opened by Lieutenant Governor Sir James Mitchell.
The main entrance and ticket office to the grounds is through a distinctive entry, with a rendered Art Deco detached archway with a stepped parapet. The entrance gates are named after Jim Rake in 2004, a local footballer and tireless community worker.
Royal Tours
Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited the Harvey Recreation Grounds in 1946. A couple of decades later, on 30th March 1966, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was greeted by thousands of Harvey and South West residents.
