Greenhill Reserve receives upgraded sports oval and playground

Greenhill Reserve situated in Wallan, 45 kilometres north of Melbourne's CBD, has received upgrades to both its sports oval and playground.

The Victorian Government supported the oval upgrades with more than $106,000 from the State Government’s Country Football and Netball Program, with Mitchell Shire Council contributing more than $150,000 and Cricket Victoria, $20,000.

Greenhill Reserve is a popular community sports hub – used by more than 700 participants from the Wallan Magpies Football Netball Club, the Wallan Kookaburras District Cricket Club, and Wallan Secondary College’s sporting programs.

Funding has enabled the reshaping of the main oval to remove low spots and installation of drainage in key sections of the sports fields to eliminate water ponding caused by heavy rainfall.

Thanks to the new upgrades, the resident clubs, Wallan Secondary College and the wider community will be able to access the two full-sized ovals year-round, now boasting a smoother and weatherproof surface.

Alongside the sports oval upgrades were those to the playground which now features new equipment including two multi-purpose play units, climbing rocks, double swings and logs for nature play. More trees have been planted around the space, providing locals a cool, sheltered canopy.

Newly installed seating and furniture will allow parents and carers to watch their children, and provide a space where community members of all ages and abilities can gather and socialise, while enjoying the outdoors.

The completed project reflects local needs and provides a place to help strengthen community connections, while encouraging greater recreation activities for Wallan residents.

Funding came from a $110,000 investment from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund along with Mitchell Shire Council’s contribution of $75,000 to the project.

Victorian Minister for Suburban Development Ros Spence enthused “It’s wonderful to see the Greenhill Recreation Reserve upgrades complete and ready to service our local community with a welcoming and more inclusive space.

“Crucial community infrastructure projects in growing communities like Wallan are improving liveability, bringing families together and boosting local economies.”

Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Fiona Stevens shared "we are grateful to Minister Spence and the Victorian Government for their continued support as we work to enhance services and facilities for our residents. These projects will help to cater for the rapidly expanding population in the south of our Shire."

A new round of the Growing Suburbs Fund is currently open, with applications closing on 20th October.

For more information, visit suburbandevelopment.vic.gov.au/grants/growing-suburbs-fund.

Image top. Credit Mitchell Shire Council; image above: Credit: Wallan Senior Football Netball Club