Active Melbourne Recreation Facilities contract award to the Y and partners

The City of Melbourne has revealed that its Active Melbourne Recreation Facilities contract has been awarded to YMCA Victoria in partnership with GreenSpace Management and youth organisation, The Huddle.

Effective from 1st July, the tender win builds on a partnership of over 20 years with the Y’s recreation teams at Active Melbourne sites, supporting thousands of locals learn to swim, stay connected, keep active and improve their health and wellness.

Through the new contract, the Y will continue managing Riverslide Skate Park, The Hub @ Docklands, Carlton Baths, Kensington Community Aquatic and Recreation Centre, North Melbourne Community Centre, Kensington Town Hall and take over the management of three new sites.

From 1st July, the Y will also manage North Melbourne Recreation Centre, North Melbourne Outdoor Pool and in partnership with leading golf provider GreenSpace Management - the Royal Park Golf Course.

Thanking the City of Melbourne for their continued support, YMCA Victoria Chief Executive, Carolyn Morris stated “YMCA Victoria is thrilled to be awarded the Active Melbourne Recreation Facilities Contract.

“We are committed to offering the health and wellbeing services locals need at all ages and stages of life.” 

Encouraged by the return of patrons to Active Melbourne sites, Morris noted “it has been an unprecedented couple of years and we continue to work closely with City of Melbourne to ensure the highest levels of health and safety are implemented at every site.”

The new contract marks a new era for the Y with two partner organisations joining the contract to offer additional expertise in youth outreach and golf management.

The Huddle was established in 2010 as the community arm of the North Melbourne Football Club developed with the Scanlon Foundation and the Australian Multicultural Foundation. The Huddle delivers active youth programming, social inclusion programming, education and employment opportunities for young people the local community.

GreenSpace Management are a bespoke golf management company with over 80 years’ experience in the global golf industry. Active Melbourne will work closely with them to introduce innovative new formats, inclusive programs, as well as honouring the traditional game of golf and club competitions.

Commenting on the partnership, GreenSpace Management Managing Director, Peter Vlahandreas stated “we are delighted to partner with the YMCA, The Huddle and City of Melbourne at Royal Park Golf Course to provide a quintessential Melbourne golfing experience; as well as delivering fun, exciting and modern non-golf activations for all of the community to enjoy.”

Looking forward, Morris added “together with the City of Melbourne through Active Melbourne we aim to expand our community impact for years to come, including job readiness skills for young people, meaningful work, a focus on customer experience and more community centred programming for diverse groups.

Current members with North Melbourne Recreation Centre and Royal Park Golf Course will be presented multiple options to continue their memberships with the YMCA and GreenSpace and remain part of our Active Melbourne community.

Further information on these memberships will be released shortly.

Images: Carlton Baths (top and below, credit: The Y) and Royal Park Golf Course (middle, credit: GreenSpace Management).