Sport & Recreation Management
Our open space network includes in excess of 60 park and reserves, 15 major sportsgrounds, an extensive multi-use trail network, and over 190 km of coastline and numerous bushland reserves.
We acknowledge the importance of planning and development for sport, recreation and physical activity, as they collectively contribute to council’s vision of a well-planned, liveable city.
Sport and Recreation Strategy
Our Sport and Active Recreation Strategy provides council with a strategic framework to guide future provision of sporting facilities and services within Clarence. The strategy identifies five key areas for council; future facilities, lease & hire review, governance and policy, strategic alliances, and operational matters.
Recreation needs analysis
Council is currently undertaking a recreation needs analysis to capture the current demand for sport and recreation and to assist with future planning for community facilities. This is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
Major sporting facilities
Clarence is home to a number of significant sporting facilities of state, national and international significance, including:
- Bellerive Oval: Tasmania’s premier sporting facility is located in Clarence, Blundstone Arena is home to Cricket Australia and AFL in the south of Tasmania. The facility is managed by Cricket Tasmania with council providing support for major events.
- Clarence Aquatic Centre: Located in Montagu Bay, the facility is managed by the YMCA and houses 3 indoor pools, offers learn to swim and other programs. The centre is open seven days a week with hours varying seasonally. Contact the centre directly on 03 6244 2294 for further information about the facilities.
In addition, council has developed numerous community sporting facilities which are available for public use and can be hired.
Parks and reserves
There are a range of facilities to be used in many of our parks and reserves including; play structures, seating, kickabout areas, skate parks and barbecues. The use of the barbecues is on a first come first served basis and all barbecues are free of charge. In the interest of hygiene and consideration of others it is requested that barbecues are cleaned after use.
Iconic Parks Master Plans
Water Quality Sampling
Recreational water sampling is undertaken on a weekly basis during summer, in partnership with the Derwent Estuary Programme. During summer the results of sampling are available in the Saturday Mercury or on the Derwent Estuary Program website. Further enquiries can be directed to our Environmental Health officers by calling 03 6217 9500.
Tracks and Trails
Clarence has an extensive tracks and trails network which traverses public open space, Crown Land and private property. The network has been developed and improved over several decades and provided multiple recreation and physical activity opportunities including horse riding, walking and mountain biking. The tracks and trails network offers a diverse range of settings from coastal beaches and bushland to vistas and rural settings.
Mountain Biking
Clarence is home to the Clarence Mountain Bike Park and the Meehan Range Recreation Area. These areas have a network of trails which are located on Crown Land but managed by council and state government with support from local volunteers. The main entry point for the Clarence Mountain Bike Park is off Flagstaff Gully Link Road in Mornington (near the exit to the Tasman Highway). A second entry point to the Meehan Range is at Belbins Road but car parking is limited. There have been recent upgrades to the park and trails, including a skills area suitable for all ages and abilities, with more upgrades planned for the coming months and years. A masterplan is currently being written and will be published soon.