$750,000 grant aims to increase activity levels in Ararat

A newly-announced $750,000 grant from the Victoria Government is aimed at creating more dedicated spaces for the people of Ararat to get active and stay healthy in the heart of town.

Victorian Minister for Sport John Eren this week announced $250,000 from the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund for Ararat Active Link Stage 2 at Bill Waterson Skate Park, and $500,000 from the Female Friendly Facilities Fund for two new netball courts, female friendly clubrooms and an indoor female recreation hub at Alexandra Oval.

Active Link, a new outdoor recreation hub, will include a multipurpose court, a 300 metre multi-use path including a built-in cycling loop, and a three-metre bouldering wall designed in consultation with Sport Climbing Victoria.

It will provide the perfect base for community members to test their skills in a range of new recreational activities and provide even more reason for families and visitors to get active at the centre.

At Alexandra Oval, the 150 plus female members of the Ararat Football Netball Club and Ararat Eagles Football Netball Club are just some of the locals who will benefit from the new competition netball courts with lighting and new female friendly clubrooms complete with indoor recreation space including a gym.

The Victorian Government is currently investing more than $420 million in community sport and recreation facilities, and earlier this year provided almost $500 million in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to support sport and active recreation at all levels.

Minister Eren thanked project partner Ararat Rural City Council for its financial contribution of $596,222 to both project and commented “parks and sports venues are the heart of our communities, especially in regional centres like Ararat.”

“We’re ensuring our communities stay healthy by giving regional Victorians the facilities they need to enjoy the sports and activities that they love.”

Image: Rock climbing will be among activities in Ararat backed by a $750,000 grant from the Victorian Government.