Unisex changerooms are on the way at Bon Thomas Reserve in Deer Park, opening the space up for year-round usage.
Construction of a new $850,000 facility began last week, including new toilets, showers and change rooms to make the space suitable for male, female and junior sport to operate at the reserve.
The reserve will also receive upgraded lighting and there is scope for future developments.
Currently, the reserve is predominantly used by Deer Park and Sunshine cricket clubs, while throughout winter it has had the capacity to support a social winter cricket competition.
Brimbank mayor John Hedditch said the new change rooms and lighting would be game changers for the reserve and nearby residents.
“This project, coupled with a further $340,000 investment in sports ground lighting on oval one, which is also under way, means Bon Thomas Reserve will soon be able to accommodate sports clubs throughout the year for the first time ever,” Cr Hedditch said.
“The change rooms and sports ground lighting are just the start of a list of game-changing improvements flagged for the reserve.
“Brimbank’s 2017-18 draft budget, which is subject to adoption, includes a further $1.7 million for the redevelopment of the second sports ground, construction of a synthetic cricket wicket and additional floodlighting at the reserve.
“There’s also a further $380,000 flagged for the sealing of the existing gravel carpark and installation of carpark lighting, plus $220,000 for construction of a barbecue, drinking fountain, access paths and park furniture.
“This can only mean great things for the future of local sport in Deer Park and Brimbank as a whole.”
The lighting project is expected to be completed in November this year, while the change rooms should be finished in March next year.
