The History of McMartin Park
This sports ground was originally owned by a local farmer, who used it as a cow paddock. It was then purchased by the council and in 1958 it was handed over for the locals to make a sporting area. Quite a number of locals worked hard with their own tractors, scoops and shovels to prepare the ground. Donations were gathered from some Bli Bli residents to purchase the necessary materials. After a lot of hard work they had built a tennis court and cricket pitch.
This was the home ground of the Petrie Creek Cricket Club for a number of years. Unfortunately as time moved on, cricket in the area waned. In 1972 an attempt was made to start another cricket club but due to lack of interest it folded after one season.
Later on the Maroochy Rugby Union Club needed grounds. As the grounds were not in use, the Rugby union Club set them up for themselves and built a well-equipped clubhouse. On 24/8/1976 the clubhouse was officially opened by the Shire Chairman, Mr E. O. De Vere, as The Beverley Hall Pavilion. The Rugby Club made this their home until 1989 when they had a chance to move to Cotton Tree.
After seeing the need for an activity for the children in our community, the Bli Bli Little Athletics Centre was formed. After a significant struggle it was agreed that the grounds be used by the Bli Bli Little A’s during the summer season. As the area was in a very poor state of repairs, a lot of work was required to prepare the grounds and clubhouse for use. Thanks to the dedicated members who worked tirelessly, the ground was ready to commence the 1990-91 season and was officially opened by Ron Grant on the 29th September 1990.
The grounds were formally named McMartin Park on 31 May 1994 in honour of the work done by Lillian and Graham McMartin.
This was the home ground of the Petrie Creek Cricket Club for a number of years. Unfortunately as time moved on, cricket in the area waned. In 1972 an attempt was made to start another cricket club but due to lack of interest it folded after one season.
Later on the Maroochy Rugby Union Club needed grounds. As the grounds were not in use, the Rugby union Club set them up for themselves and built a well-equipped clubhouse. On 24/8/1976 the clubhouse was officially opened by the Shire Chairman, Mr E. O. De Vere, as The Beverley Hall Pavilion. The Rugby Club made this their home until 1989 when they had a chance to move to Cotton Tree.
After seeing the need for an activity for the children in our community, the Bli Bli Little Athletics Centre was formed. After a significant struggle it was agreed that the grounds be used by the Bli Bli Little A’s during the summer season. As the area was in a very poor state of repairs, a lot of work was required to prepare the grounds and clubhouse for use. Thanks to the dedicated members who worked tirelessly, the ground was ready to commence the 1990-91 season and was officially opened by Ron Grant on the 29th September 1990.
The grounds were formally named McMartin Park on 31 May 1994 in honour of the work done by Lillian and Graham McMartin.
