Frankston City sports its latest facilities
Published on 12 March 2021
Frankston City sports fans are in for a treat this week, with two exciting new facilities opening in Carrum Downs and Skye.
The City’s first synthetic sports field officially opened Wednesday evening (10 March) at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve.
North-East Ward Councillor, David Asker, said the $2.854 million facility was unique because it was accredited for use by three major sporting codes.
“The quality surface and sports lighting means this pitch will be used by several clubs and school groups for soccer, cricket and football during the day and evenings throughout the year.
“This is an exciting day for Carrum Downs Junior Football Club and Skye Football Netball Club who will use the field, which also incorporates a central cricket wicket so the Carrum Downs Cricket Club can use the facility for training and games,” Cr Asker said.
This is the latest in series of works completed as part of the Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve redevelopment, to make the facility a regional training hub.
“We recently opened the new $3.5 million multi-purpose pavilion and the $610,000 Len Phelps Pavilion upgrade.
“And there’s more to come, with preliminary plans underway to upgrade the tennis courts, potentially making them suitable to host other sports such as netball.”
Cr Asker thanked State Member for Carrum, Sonya Kilkenny MP, for the Victorian Government’s generous, $500,000 contribution to the project.
Ms Kilkenny said, “The new synthetic pitch is a fantastic venue that will open up new opportunities for so many players at this wonderful local reserve in Carrum Downs.
“I am so excited to have been able to help deliver this project for clubs like the Carrum Downs Junior Football Club and the Carrum Downs Cricket Club. I look forward to seeing more and more kids and adults get back into local sport this year.”
The $911,000 redevelopment of Skye Recreation Reserve pavilion is also complete, providing a significant boost to female sporting participation in the area.
Two additional change rooms, with female amenities, and unisex umpire facilities will better position Skye Cricket Club and Skye United Soccer Club to cater for female players.
The clubs will now be able to offer additional participation and competition opportunities and better support the progression of female junior players to senior teams.
Frankston City Deputy Mayor, Nathan Conroy, said it was timely that the new facilities opened during the week of International Women’s Day.
“Sport is incredibly important to the health and wellbeing of the Frankston City community and ensuring girls and women have access to the facilities they to need to participate without barriers, is a priority I know we all share,” Cr Conroy said.
“I would like to thank the Victorian Government for contributing to this valuable project.”
In addition to the $811,000 Council investment, the project was completed with the help of a $100,000 commitment from Ms Kilkenny, via the 2018–19 Female Friendly Facilities Fund.
Ms Kilkenny said, “This upgraded pavilion will be a game changer for local clubs, like the Skye Cricket Club and Skye United Soccer Club and I’m delighted that I was able to help deliver this project for our local community.
“It’s so important to help local sports clubs get back on their feet and it’s even better to see our wonderful local clubs supporting and encouraging girls and women to get involved too.”