Supporting Maroondah’s sporting clubs

It’s been an exciting week for local sporting clubs, with four formal openings in Maroondah’s sporting precincts.

Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Rob Steane OAM, formally opened the new pavilion and cricket nets at JW Manson Reserve in Wantirna; new LED lighting facilities at East Ringwood Reserve; and the redeveloped sportsfield at Town Park. Maroondah Edge indoor cricket training centre was also formally opened.

“These improvements will support a range of sporting clubs in and around Maroondah, while also encouraging more people in our local community to participate in sport,” Cr Steane said.

“The projects are a fantastic example of what can be achieved in partnership with other levels of government, community groups and key stakeholders. We look forward to seeing our community enjoy these improvements now and in the years to come.”

The new double storey pavilion at JW Manson Reserve in Wantirna features female-friendly and accessible facilities, a large multipurpose space, a kitchen and a kiosk, as well as a balcony with views of both ovals in the Reserve. Five new cricket nets have also been installed as part of the redevelopment.

President of Aquinas Old Collegians Football Club, Ian Shaw, said these facilities are a welcome addition that will “enrich members’ sporting life and social interaction”.

“The improvements will benefit our members greatly. Due to the rapid expansion of our women’s teams, we have had our club separated for a couple of years to help cope with facilities and oval usage. The improvements will enable us to reunite as one club and be able to train, play and socialise again,” Ian said.

President of St Andrews Cricket Club, Matthew Millar, said there will be significant benefits for the club, including “the expansion of women’s and girls’ cricket programs”, more space for training and strengthening relationships throughout the club.

“Providing a safe place for all members to play cricket, socialise and enjoy the mateship of our family club is something we thrive on, and improvements to the JW Manson Reserve are only going to strengthen this and bring all of our members closer together,” Matthew said.

“The new location will mean members can train for longer in the sunshine, and a new five-lane facility will provide ample space for our training schedules throughout the summer.

“We can’t wait to be able to share this experience with our members and the wider community.”

Four new LED sportsfield lights have been installed on 27 metre poles at East Ringwood Reserve. The lights will illuminate the oval to 200 lux, with concentrated light helping to minimise spill light in accordance with Australian Standards, making it safer for players to train at night.

The lighting accompanies other high-quality facilities in the Reserve, following increased demand for female participation in sport, and will help provide a more enjoyable and better experience for all players.

The sportsfield that sits within the athletics track at Town Park has been upgraded and includes new drainage, irrigation and drought tolerant couch grass, providing a more enjoyable experience for all users.

The redevelopment follows the installation of the Tarralla Creek stormwater harvesting system earlier this year, which will save approximately 13 million litres (or 5 Olympic-sized swimming pools) of drinking water each year.

President of Eastern United Soccer Club, Jeff Barr, said members of the club are keen to move to Town Park and use the new facilities.

“Moving to a better-quality ground and facility, where we can establish ourselves at a single location, is something we are all very much looking forward to,” Jeff said.

“Our players are already looking forward to the 2024 season, in particular being able to train and play on a brand-new surface to enjoy. The new facility will also be welcomed by the opposing clubs in our Association, where they will also enjoy the improved surface to play on and the change room facilities.

“The central location for Eastern United will help draw in new players and members … and having a redeveloped ground to play on will also encourage new players to our club.”

These projects have been funded by Council and the Victorian Government.