HISTORY
The Midland Junction Recreation Ground was formally opened by the Mayor Alexander Ernest Watt on 21 October 1901. In commemoration of the event, trees were planted around the Ground. The oval was on the outer edge of the town’s development and was referred to as Midland Junction Recreation Ground. At this time, the oval was primarily used for football and cricket.
Football
The Kendalls vs Deakins at Midland Junction Oval in 1918.
Lawn Bowls
Lawn Bowls at Midland Junction Oval, circa 1910.
The first grandstand is in the background. The grandstand was damaged by a storm in 1963 and was later demolished and a new pavilion built.
Cycling track
In 1949, one of the heats of the Australian Professional Track Cycling Championships were held at Midland Oval, the first time this event had been held in WA.
Prior to the event, the Midland Council authorised upgrades to include extra parking facilities, extra gates and surface grading.
Sporting competitions and events
Many sporting competitions and events were held at Midland Junction Oval during the 1950’s.
The Midland Amateur Football Club used the grounds as their home ground. In April 1951, a deputation from the club addressed the Midland Council requesting improvements to the facilities at Midland Oval. A motion was carried to provide £100 for renovations and improvements of the facilities including, a new bath heater, additional dressing room space, provision of a club room and removal of light globes.
After a long history of use of Midland Oval, the Midland Football Club played its last game on Midland Oval in 1998, and joined the Midland Sports Association located at Swan Park.
In 1952 a Monster Sports Carnival was held at Midland Junction Oval and included events such as cycling, running and axeman competitions. The main highlights included the ‘Midland Gift’ cycling and running events for cash prizes and a sash.
In 1968, the Town Planning Scheme No.1 Report and Recommendation produced by Taylor and McMullen and Bruce Tomlinson suggested for the first time, a possible redevelopment of Midland Recreation Ground as ‘the facilities at present at the oval are limited, and incapable of expansion either in additional ovals or car parking areas’.
The picture below shows the possible development that was suggested at that time. The proposal included the establishment of 146 flats and other residential buildings.