Wish list proposed for four recreation reserves
A wish list of projects for four rural recreation reserves has been developed by Baw Baw Shire Council.
Projects and priorities wanted by community members for the Darnum, Longwarry, Thorpdale and Willow Grove reserves have been developed following consultation.
The draft plans will be put out for further discussion.
A report to council said the master planning process was a continuation of stage one in 2014 which saw development of plans for Athlone, Buln Buln, Ellinbank, Hallora, Jindivick, Neerim South and Erica/Rawson reserves.
Officers said the final masterplans for these reserves would provide a clear vision for each of the recreation reserves and would be used as key planning and implementation documents for both government and community stakeholders.
“With increasing demand for improved sport and recreational opportunities and amenities by local sporting clubs, peak sporting associations and community groups, the master planning process will seek to address current gaps in sports specific facility requirements.
“Change room areas, amenities, umpire’s rooms, first aid facilities and improving facility accessibility will be reviewed with the key objective to increase participation opportunities for the local community.
“Many of the sporting facilities within Baw Baw Shire are well below current expectations.
A community consultation “have your say” process is now underway and will conclude on August 12.
Following community consultation, cost estimates will be included in the final draft masterplans presented to council for consideration.
Stage on community consultation identified a number of projects at each reserve. Community members and user groups are now being asked to prioritise these projects. LONGWARRY Upgrade existing change room facilities. Explore options to extend existing pavilion to accommodate canteen/kitchen, male and female toilets and community meeting space upgrades.
Increase spectator amenity through provision of additional seating and shelter around the ground and netball courts. Upgrade playground equipment. Investigate development of a second sports field with training lights.
Resurface netball court and replace damaged synthetic surface on cricket pitch. THORPDALE Upgrade/refurbish and extend existing pavilion with priority given to improve player and umpire change rooms and amenities for football, cricket, netball and tennis; or, construct a new multi-purpose social facility on the west side of the playing field.
Resurface and formalise entry roads and car parking. Upgrade playground equipment. Increase spectator amenity and seating. Replace or resurface aged, cracked and damaged court surfaces and cricket training nets.
Upgrade sports field lighting to AFL training standards. WILLOW GROVE Upgrade existing football and umpire change room facilities.
Upgrade aged and dysfunctional recreational building and canteen/kitchen.
Construction of a new multi-purpose match day facility to accommodate netball and tennis participants and umpires. Provision of an electronic scoreboard. Increase spectator seating and shelter around netball courts.
Resurface reserve playing field to remedy current unevenness and drainage issues. DARNUM Demolish aged and dysfunctional public toilet facility and replace with a new, fully accessible facility. Upgrade existing AFL change room facilities Construction of a new match day facility to accommodate netball participants and umpires.
Provision of a new storage facility to accommodate dog obedience and reserve maintenance equipment.
Improve reserve access and connectivity with local facilities such as the school.
Resurface and formalise entry roads and car park.