Council has welcomed a Victorian Government funding commitment of $250,000 towards kickstarting Stage One of the Lara Recreation Reserve Master Plan, adding to the Greater Geelong Council's $2 million allocation from the 2020-21 Budget.
The funding will see construction of two competition compliant netball courts next to the Lara Tennis Club, providing a huge boost to the Lara Sports Club netballers. They're currently based on netball courts within Lara Secondary College and operating out of two shipping containers.
A multi-use sports pavilion will also be built at the site to support the netball and tennis clubs, set to feature gender neutral change rooms, social spaces, a kitchen, an office and storage space.
Sports and Recreation portfolio holder Councillor Ron Nelson, Windermere Councillors Deputy Mayor Kylie Grzybek and Anthony Aitken and Member for Lara John Eren have met up with players from these clubs to celebrate the announcement.
Construction is expected to start in July next year and be finished by June 2022.
Both clubs have inadequate facilities to support their strong member bases. This project will provide fit-for-purpose and modern facilities, attract further participation and improve social connections within the Lara community.
The Lara Recreation Reserve Master Plan details medium and long-term upgrades to the popular 18-hectare site, including an Oval 3 change room development, an informal running/walking track and lighting to the soccer fields.
The master plan was developed in close consultation with the reserve's tenant clubs and groups, and local residents.
Councillor Stephanie Asher - Mayor
A big thanks to the state government and John Eren MP for committing this funding, on top of council's $2 million allocation, to getting Stage One up and running.
It's great that we can work together on improving facilities for the Lara community, which has waited a long time for the recreation reserve to be updated.
Councillor Kylie Grzybek - Deputy Mayor and Windermere Ward
Members of the Lara Tennis Club and Lara Sports Club are incredibly excited to be receiving new facilities that will make operating and attracting new members easier. This project will go towards ensuring a brighter future for these clubs and the broader Lara community post-coronavirus.
Setting aside $2 million is a big commitment from council and is one of our larger sporting club commitments for the year ahead.
John Eren - Member for Lara
Congratulations to the Lara Sporting Club - this boost will go a long way to support the growing number of people in Lara keen to get involved in local sport and recreation.
It's a great example of how the Victorian Government is making sport and recreation more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians.
The Victorian Government is giving communities like ours the facilities they need so more locals can play the sports they love.
