Community sport receives tremendous boost in Victoria Park

A major piece of infrastructure is set to transform the future of community sport in the heart of Ballarat.

The Victoria Park community sports pavilion was officially opened on Wednesday, marking a significant day for community sport in Ballarat.

Community Sport Minister Ros Spence and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison joined the City of Ballarat Mayor, Councillors and officers to tour the $3.1 million pavilion, which is a key component of the $5.8 million Victoria Park Sport and Community Facility project. The broader project also included a significant upgrade of the area's soccer pitches, cricket nets and lighting.

The new pavilion includes home and away female friendly change rooms, essential operational office space, storage, community kitchen and canteen, umpires change rooms, publicly accessible toilets, spectator seating and path networks and landscaping.

The City of Ballarat contributed $5.2 million towards the community facility, with the State Government contributing a further $500,000 through the 2020-21 World Game Fund Soccer and $100,000 through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Infrastructure Fund – Cricket.

The facility is primarily used by the Lucas Cricket Club and the Victoria Park Football (Soccer) Club.

However, it will also be available more broadly for other events that take place in Victoria Park such as disc golf, cycling events and other festivals and gatherings.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said providing the best possible sporting facilities was crucial in increasing participation in activities and sport.

“Having something like female-friendly change rooms is absolutely essential, as identified by our Active Women and Girls Strategy,” Cr Hudson said.

“I am passionate about people, especially our younger citizens, participating in sports and activities and it is facilities like this that encourage that healthy behaviour.

“The community, as well as the local sporting clubs, will see extraordinary benefit from these new facilities.”

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the new facilities would aid in improved participation numbers.

“With grassroots winter sports back and growing in participation, more than ever clubs like the Victoria Park SC need quality facilities they can depend on,” Ms Spence said.

“These new facilities will go a long way to inspiring more locals to join in the fun at the local football or cricket club."

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the project would draw even more people to Victoria Park.

“Our investment in this community infrastructure at Victoria Park will further enhance participation in local sport and bring more people to our beautiful park,” Ms Addison said.