By Brendan Rees
Clyde Recreation Reserve is set for a massive transformation, thanks to a $3m funding boost from the State Government.
The new additions will include construction of a district-level reserve with three Australian rules football/cricket ovals; two netball courts; eight tennis courts (six relocated courts and two new courts); two multi-use community pavilions; and a car park with 300 sealed car spaces.
Works are expected to start in early 2021 to be delivered over two years.
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale on Friday 14 August announced the project saying the facility was about helping grassroots sports communities, creating jobs and kick-starting vital projects across the state.
“These sport and rec facilities will be such a drawcard and focal point for our sporting clubs in and around Clyde,” she said.
“This project really illustrates that when State and Local Government come together in partnership – the community we are here to serve are the ones who benefit.
“I want to thank the City of Casey for recognising the need for these facilities for our growing community, for prioritising the project and most importantly for the very significant contribution.”
Council will be contributing $10m towards the project while $8m is coming from developer contributions to implement the $21m Clyde Creek Precinct Structure Plan.
Once complete the project will deliver an AFL/Cricket/Rugby Union pavilion featuring:
• a multipurpose community room;
• eight change-rooms with associated unisex amenities;
• two unisex referee’s rooms;
• first aid room;
• public female, male, unisex and accessible toilets;
• kitchen/canteen, office, scorer’s room and storage.
The tennis pavilion will also have many useful features including a community room; change rooms with associated unisex amenities; public female, male, unisex and accessible toilets; drinks servery and kitchen/servery; storage, office and an external covered viewing area.
Casey Council chair of administrators Noelene Duff said it “much welcomed news”, and a “vital project” for creating jobs and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
“The funding will kick-start the transformation of Clyde Recreation Reserve, which when completed, will connect thousands of local families and young people with community sports and recreation opportunities,” Ms Duff said.
“Clyde’s population has tripled in the past three years. It is now home to 30,000 residents, with more families flocking to this developing suburb each year.
“The suburb has outgrown its existing oval and tennis courts and this important upgrade will help local sports and community clubs grow and expand.”
Casey Council CEO Glenn Patterson thanked the State Government for supporting council’s funding application, which was set to provide “enormous benefits for the community”.
“The new and improved Clyde Recreation Reserve will be ideally located alongside the new Clyde North Station Primary School (interim name) and adjoin the new Family and Children’s Services Centre including kindergarten and maternal and child health,” Mr Patterson said.
Funding was made possible through the State Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
