A multi-sport field and pavilion will be built at Sovereign Drive Recreation Reserve, with an area identified for an off-leash dog park, following Council's adoption of a new master plan.
The new sports field, in addition to the reserve's existing oval, will comprise of an Australian Rules football and cricket oval and two soccer pitches.
The field features as a key priority in the Sovereign Drive Recreation Reserve Master Plan, alongside a new multi-use pavilion and works to widen the access road and expand the reserve's carpark.
The City has approximately $8.6 million in funding from developer contributions for the delivery of these projects and will commence detailed design next year, with the aim of commencing construction in mid-2027.
And, in good news for local dog owners, the master plan identifies land to be investigated for a fenced, off-leash dog park.
The document also outlines plans to:
- relocate and upgrade the existing netball courts with Netball Victoria-compliant surfaces,
- lighting and benches
- expand the existing Men's Shed
- extend and enhance internal shared pathways to improve connectivity
- increase the cricket nets from two to four and fully enclose them to meet compliance
upgrade existing sports lighting from halogen to LED.
Delivery of the projects may need to be staged based on available funding, and the City may seek additional funding from state and federal grants, future budget cycles or a mixture of funding sources to fully realise the masterplan.
The City released the draft master plan for community consultation from 27 August to 29 September, receiving 57 responses with 96 per cent either fully or mostly supporting the plan.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
These upgrades will ensure even more local residents can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that sport provides.This master plan will transform Sovereign Drive Recreation Reserve into a true local sporting hub, offering the growing Mount Duneed community a variety of ways to stay fit, healthy and socially connected.
Deakin Ward Councillor Andrew Katos
City officers amended the master plan to include the opportunity for a fenced, off-leash dog park in response to community feedback.These upgrades will encourage the growth of new local clubs and drive greater usage of Sovereign Drive Recreation Reserve by local residents for sport.
The existing oval is a popular spot for local dog owners to play off-leash with their four-legged friends – subject to sporting requirements.
A fenced dog park would be a welcome addition, with the growing usage of the reserve for sport limiting the time available for owners to let their dog loose on the oval.
