What’s happening?
Redlands Rays Baseball Club has completed a major lighting upgrade at its Capalaba grounds.
The new lights are now ready for senior and junior players at Redlands Baseball Park.
The project was supported through the SEQ Liveability Fund, which forms part of the SEQ City Deal.
The upgrade will support night matches, training and future club growth. It also strengthens the club’s ability to host higher-level baseball at Capalaba.
Why it matters?
Baseball is growing across Redlands Coast, and better facilities can help clubs meet that demand.
Redland City Acting Mayor Julie Talty said the upgrade would help the club build for the years ahead.
“Baseball is going from strength-to-strength on Redlands Coast, and these lighting improvements will ensure that both the sport and the club can continue to grow in coming years,” Cr Talty said.
The new LED lights will make the grounds more usable after school, work and study hours.
“The LED lights will make a real difference for both night matches and training, while also positioning the club to host more high-level matches and tournaments at Redlands Baseball Park,” Cr Talty said.
“This lighting will increase player safety, improve energy efficiency, and reduce light impacts outside the grounds; and having aluminium wiring instead of copper, the risk of copper theft is also reduced.”
Local Impact
The upgrade means more access to local sport at times that suit busy schedules.
Division 9 Councillor and Sport and Recreation portfolio representative Jason Colley said the project would support active lifestyles.
“Infrastructure enhancements such as these ensure there are opportunities for Redlanders to live active, healthy, and socially connected lifestyles,” he said.
He said lighting was one of the most practical upgrades a club could receive.
“One of the main benefits of lighting is that it extends playable hours, allowing people to participate in the sport they love after work, school, or study commitments,” Cr Colley said.
“Redlands Rays Baseball is a family-friendly club that caters for teams across various levels and age groups, so we know these enhancements will be well used for years to come.”
By The Numbers
The project is part of a wider investment in community sport across Redlands Coast.
- Three local sporting projects are being supported through the SEQ Liveability Fund, including Redlands Rays Baseball.
- Two other lighting upgrades are being delivered at Redlands Cricket Association and Redlands Softball Club.
- Baseball and softball are set to return at the 2028 Olympics, with advocacy continuing for 2032.
Zoom In
At ground level, the lighting upgrade gives Redlands Rays a better base for training, games and player development.
The LED system is expected to improve visibility at night. It will also reduce energy use and limit light spill outside the grounds.
Council said aluminium wiring was used instead of copper, reducing the risk of copper theft.
Redlands Rays Baseball Club president Ben Reynolds thanked Council and the funding partners for supporting the project.
“This lighting upgrade has been a tremendous boost for the Redlands Rays Baseball Club and a major improvement to our current infrastructure,” Mr Reynolds said.
“It has enhanced our facilities, created more opportunities for training and development, and will allow us to host additional night games for our members and the wider community.
“Importantly, it also positions our club to attract future tournaments, both domestically and internationally.”
Zoom Out
The upgrade connects local club needs with the larger sporting calendar before Brisbane 2032.
Cr Talty said investment in local sport was needed as the Olympic and Paralympic Games approach.
“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games just around the corner, investment in sporting infrastructure is needed to ensure our local clubs and players can capitalise on this unique opportunity,” she said.
“We believe this lighting upgrade will support Redlands Rays in continuing to develop and nurture young Redlands Coast talent.”
Cr Colley said the timing was also important for baseball and softball.
“With softball and baseball set to return at the 2028 Olympics and advocacy ongoing for both sports to be included in the 2032 program, this is a great time for the new lights to be switched on,” Cr Colley said.
“The City Deals initiative has been a great success in bringing forward funding for the community and key grassroots infrastructure projects such as these.”
The SEQ Liveability Fund is a commitment under the SEQ City Deal. It is a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and the Council of Mayors South-East Queensland.
What To Look For Next?
Redlands Rays Baseball Club can now make greater use of its Capalaba fields for evening training and night games.
The improved facilities may also help the club attract more tournaments, including domestic and international events.
For young Redlands Coast players, the project means better access to quality facilities as the sport continues to grow.
