The City of Greater Bendigo is undertaking a project to replace the existing synthetic soccer pitch with a new FIFA Quality Certified Pitch at the Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve.
The $650,000 project is being funded by the City as part of its ongoing commitment to continue to provide high-quality sporting facilities for residents and visitors to Greater Bendigo.
City of Greater Bendigo Active and Healthy Lifestyles Manager Lincoln Fitzgerald said work to replace the pitch will commence in mid-December and is expected to be completed in March 2021.
"The project will involve the removal and recycling of the old pitch materials, installation of a shock pad and a new synthetic surface with virgin rubber infill and line marking," Mr Fitzgerald said.
"As part of the project an independent FIFA Quality Certification for the pitch will be undertaken.
"When completed the reserve will boast a high-quality synthetic playing pitch for use on game days. In addition, tenant clubs will also be able to use the new synthetic pitch for training purposes which will help minimise wear and tear on the reserve's grass fields so they are in the best condition for game days.
"Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve is Greater Bendigo's premier soccer facility featuring a combination of soccer, rugby and AFL football fields, netball/tennis courts and two pavilions.
"It's an important major local sporting facility that caters for a range of local sports and major events so it's important for it to provide playing surfaces that are of a high quality.
"This project will ensure that the facility continues to attract significant competitions and cater for mass participation."
