Kojonup prides itself on its excellent recreation and sporting facilities. Some are Council owned and operated while other facilities are run by independent organisations with Council support. The Shire has a fully equipped recreation complex, including squash courts, bowling greens, a swimming pool and several turf ovals.
The Kojonup Golf Course is one of the best in provincial Australia and the tennis club has eight hard courts under lights.
Polo and polocrosse are popular equestrian sports in Kojonup. Each year Kojunup hosts the largest polo tournament in Australia, the Wandecla Polo Tournament.
Council has recently levelled and upgraded the equestrian surface at the Shire’s showgrounds. Home of the Kojonup Adult Riding Club, the upgrade will attract more competitors and enhance Kojonup’s position as the centre for equestrian events in the heart of horseland in the Great Southern Region. Three dressage and show jumping events are staged each year. The first on the new river sand surface is scheduled as part of Kojonup Show in October. Facilities have been improved for people to camp safely overnight with their valuable horses.
This year’s Showday event is expected to attract some 130 competitors. Australia, after three consecutive equestrian Olympic gold medals, is enjoying a very high profile position as having the world’s best riders. Kojonup is making the most of this.The surface upgrade was possible through grants applied for by the Riding Club, as well as funding contributed by Council.
For young people, Kojonup is constructing a skatepark. Planning for the Park is progressing, with expressions of interest called recently for the design and construction of the facility. Shire Community Services Officer, Elisia Bennett, said the proposed skatepark is close to other sporting facilities, toilets and shops, and away from houses.
“It is now up to the designers to come up with a layout to include the things skaters have requested within that space,” she said.
Council has secured funding of $50,000 for the skatepark through grants and fundraising efforts.
