Mount Evelyn community members will have more seating and shading at sporting events when restrictions end, with grandstand works underway at the Regional Athletics Facility at Morrisons Reserve.
An extra shade structure has been installed at Morrisons Reserve, as well as works to double the size of the existing grandstand, with more shade infrastructure to follow.
Billanook Ward Councillor, Tim Heenan, said that when COVID-19 restrictions are eased in coming months, community members would have more seating and shade for events.
"I'm very proud to see this happen, over many, many years of campaigning, to make sure that the children and adults alike have the most upgraded facilities possible here," he said.
"We've doubled the size of the grandstand and with this shade structure that we have on part of the ground – with more to come – has been a great boon for Yarra Ranges Athletics members.
"We know how popular Morrisons Reserve is for our local athletics and sporting clubs, and they regularly have all the seats filled here for events.
"I've listened and obviously heard the need. The carpark here is fully sealed and all designated parking, which is fantastic.
Cr Tim Heenan at the new grandstand at Morrisons Reserve in early July.
"This is a project I have wanted to see in Mount Evelyn for many years. Once we get more shade infrastructure on the other part of the grounds, I would say my original commitment when I first came to Council would be fulfilled.
Council has an ongoing goal of creating quality infrastructure and liveable places in Yarra Ranges, to ensure communities are safe, resilient, healthy, inclusive and socially well-connected.
"This project has provided a more inclusive experience for people visiting our sporting events," Cr Heenan said.
"This is the only athletics facility we have in all of the Yarra Ranges. I'm enormously proud that there is more seating and more shade now. I hope there will be more people coming to be part of the Yarra Ranges Athletics Club once the COVID-19 situation is over."
Under the current Stage 3 Restrictions, residents may leave the house for one of four reasons: exercise, medical care and caregiving, shopping and work or study when it can't be done from home.
People may gather outside in groups of two at most, with social distancing at all times. Exercise should be done locally.
