More Park to transform into new centre for softball

Works are underway in Victoria at Ardeer’s More Park to transform the old softball facilities at the ground into a new centre for softball with the redevelopment made possible by $4 million from the Victorian Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.

Victorian Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence joined members of the Sunshine Softball Association and Brimbank City Council Councillors this week to view the redevelopment which will see an overhaul of the existing facilities, delivering a new softball batting cage, multipurpose training area, path network and lighting.

It also includes construction of an accessible sports pavilion complete with four new female friendly change room facilities, along with umpire, office, kitchen, first aid, social areas and storerooms.

Minister Spence notes “this project is a great example of how we’re making sport and active recreation more accessible and giving communities like Sunshine the facilities they need so more locals can play the sports they love.”

Other sports including football and rugby are also set to benefit with realignment of the softball diamonds, allowing for construction of two new rectangular pitches including irrigation, lighting and supporting facilities.

Construction of the new softball hub is due to be complete by February 2022.

This project is one of 27 to benefit from a share of $68 million from the first round of the Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program with the Victorian Government injecting a further $110 million into the program in the recent budget.

This investment recognises the overwhelming demand for shovel-ready community sports infrastructure across Victoria and is part of the Government’s $1.05 billion investment in community sport and recreation infrastructure since 2014.

Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman added “this is great news for More Park and Sunshine Softball Association. With $4 million for new facilities, More Park will support a range of activities and ensure all members of our community can get involved and be active in sports.”

Image courtesy of Softball Victoria Facebook