Sport received a serious shot in the arm on Tuesday with the opening of the $8.5 million Eastern Playing Fields at The Ponds.

The sports and recreational facility, located on The Ponds Boulevard, features two playing fields, four multi-purpose courts, four netball courts and a playground.

There is also a fitness trail, two ponds, training standard lighting, extensive landscaping and a car park for 165 cars.

Landcom development general manager Kerry Robinson said the fields were one of the region’s flagship sporting facilities.

“This high quality facility has attracted strong support from the community and local sports groups throughout the North West region,” he said.

“The Ponds, which is the fastest-growing suburb in NSW, is the perfect place to build this new amenity as it strategically situated in the North West growth corridor.

“Over 2500 residents are now living in The Ponds and are expected to make full use of this facility. John Palmer Public School will use the facilities for school sports in 2012.”

The circular playing field area is able to accommodate a variety of winter and summer sports and community events.

The multi-purpose built tennis courts and netball courts can also be used by other sports groups such as basketball, futsal and other court based sports.

The child friendly equipment featured in the playground boasts an adventure theme.