Local sporting clubs will have access to brand new soccer pitches and coaches' boxes and other sporting infrastructure thanks to completed upgrades at the Wendouree West Recreation Reserve.
The first phase of the Strengthening Wendouree Community Recreation Precinct project has seen the installation of three soccer pitches with new turf surfaces, upgraded drainage and irrigation, one synthetic cricket wicket between two pitches and new coaches' boxes.
The soccer pitches are the first phase of the wider precinct development project, which also includes BMX and skate facilities, street soccer zone, new sports pavilion and community hub, new Men's Shed and ReCranked Youth Shed.
The upgrades were made possible thanks to a $7 million grant from the State Government Local Sports Grant Program with $1.5 million allocated to the soccer pitches specifically.
The new sporting infrastructure will provide improved and more sustainable playing surfaces, as well as increased participation opportunities.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said the new sporting infrastructure will be great for not only the established clubs in Wendouree, but the wider community.
"These upgrades represent a great step forward for the Wendouree West community with greater access to quality sport and community infrastructure," he said.
"I would like to acknowledge the invaluable work of the Forest Rangers Soccer Club within the Wendouree community, and I look forward to the club reaping the benefits of these new pitches, along with the North Ballarat Cricket Club members who are looking forward to making use of the new cricket wicket this summer.
"Sport can be a real glue that holds communities together. It creates valuable bonds and now the community of Wendouree West have wonderful pitches and facilities to do just that."
