Long before the playground and rocket stood in front of A Block, this flat stretch of ground was home to Bowen State School’s original tennis courts. In early photos taken prior to the construction of A Block, you can clearly spot the distinctive balustrading and steps of the old B Block — a visual reminder of the school’s evolving landscape.
These early courts were famously described as “ant bed” courts — a surface made from compacted ant mound material, flattened and shaped into a surprisingly durable playing surface. Though unconventional by today’s standards, ant bed courts were once common in Queensland schools and towns, known for their firm texture and excellent bounce.
As the school grew, so too did the need for improved sporting facilities. In 1932, new tennis courts were constructed on Herbert Street, situated near the former site of the Bowen State Girls’ and Infants’ School. These courts marked a shift toward more formalised school sports infrastructure and became an important space for student recreation and competition.
Today, while no physical traces of the original courts remain, their place in the school’s early recreational history continues to serve as a reminder of the resourcefulness and resilience of earlier generations of Bowen students.