Latrobe City Council welcomes Sport and Recreation Victoria's funding announcement for upgrades at Churchill's Gaskin Park as part of the 'Country and Football Netball Program'.
The funding will allow for upgrades to be made to improve the surface of Oval Two at Gaskin Park; a priority project identified under Council's Recreation Needs Assessment.
The surface and drainage works will enhance the playing surface affording key stakeholders such as Churchill Football Netball Club, Churchill Junior Football Club, Churchill Cricket Club and Gippsland Power Football Club the ability to increase venue usage.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Kellie O'Callaghan welcomed the funding announcement, highlighting the importance grassroots sports plays in fostering the growth and development of participants.
"Community sporting clubs play a vital role in enabling people to play sport and keep physically healthy and mentally well. The improvements to the second oval surface and drainage at the Gaskin Park precinct will enable more user groups the opportunity to increase training and match time," said the Mayor.
"The enhancements will not only provide opportunities for those taking part in active recreation through sporting clubs but enable use by other passive recreation users. Recreation activity whether active or passive supports community connection and increases positive health and wellbeing outcomes.
"Apart from the benefits to key user groups, the project may lead to increased opportunity for the Gaskin Park precinct to be utilised as a host venue for regional level carnivals or events for sports such as cricket, baseball and football resulting in future economic benefit through visitation."
Council has endorsed $100,000 of funding to support the delivery of the project, with $230,000 being funded through Sport and Recreation Victoria.
