After 30 years in the making, the multipurpose Barnard Park Pavilion was officially opened on Saturday with members from emergency services, rugby and cricket clubs in attendance.
Barnard Park Sporting Association chairperson Wayne Thackrah said many sporting clubs in the region had waited decades for the facility.
“What you see today is the final piece of the puzzle,” he said.
“It is a great facility and we are very excited to be working with the community and the council to grow it even further.”
Mr Thackrah thanked former resident Ron Bell who contributed towards the storage shed and the late Jim House who left money which will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of the facility.
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said the $1.9 million building was a worthwhile investment contributing towards the health and well-being of the community.
Mr Henley said the development was made possible with a $542,000 contribution from the state government’s sport and recreation department.
“The opening of the pavilion marks the end of the Barnard Park sporting precinct project which commenced in 2014 with the installation of the new ovals, car parks, cricket wickets and fire services running track,” he said.
“Our foreshore area is the envy of many regional and metro local governments and the inclusion of a dedicated sports precinct has always been a special feature of the master plan.”
Mr Henley said key users of the precinct would be cricket clubs, rugby, junior soccer and volunteer fire and rescue services along with private functions and community gatherings.
South West MP Adele Farina said it was not often that people saw a facility like the Barnard Park sporting precinct in such a spectacular location.
“This is something very special we have here in Busselton,” she said.
“The facility will enhance the lives of people living in Busselton and will be a fantastic asset for future generations.
“A lot of thought and community consultation has gone into the planning of these facilities including how to protect the unique, natural features of the area and how it would best serve future generations.”