"I was passionate about the place and I played in it when I was 10 years old and went on to coach cricket there. It was a wonderful place and I was devastated when it closed. It was the only all weather sports facility in the area, let alone the town. Even Morisset High School where I was a student used to have teams play there," David said.

Now 25 years old and a professional green keeper for a Central Coast retirement village, David once again has his name down to be a volunteer at the born again centre, this time with the new operators, the PCYC.

"My passion for the place hasn't diminished, it's grown," he said.

"It was heartbreaking to see the centre slowly crumbling away with neglect and age but look at it now, it's just fantastic. It's come back under the PCYC better than ever it was before," David, who is seeking a new career in youth work, said.

"Every day I drive past and think 'not long now' and I can't wait."

The combined support of Lake Macquarie City Council, federal member for Charlton Greg Combet and the PCYC has seen hundreds of thousands of dollars pumped into a total refurbishment program which has saved the centre from the demolition ball and given it a new lease of life.

But the PCYC, which hopes to open the centre next month, is a volunteer organisation and it still needs funds to equip the centre which will feature a special high tech sports floor to accommodate every type of game from basketball to tennis.

"We have a special fundraising Ambrose golf tournament day on November 12 and I'm currently looking for hole sponsors," David said.

Hole sponsorship is $500 and includes a four player team entry plus extensive benefits.

"An alternative for the general public is a team entry of four players for $240 and that includes a round of golf, dinner, bbq voucher and a drinks voucher, not bad for $60 a head," David said.

For details, or to make a booking, phone 0409 816 233.